Radiation from Electrons Accelerated in a Synchrotron

TLDR

High‑energy electrons undergoing large radial accelerations emit substantial optical radiation. The authors measured the synchrotron light spectrum across electron energies up to 80 MeV, used total light output to estimate beam current, and employed high‑speed photography to observe beam size and motion. The measurements agree reasonably well with theoretical predictions.

Abstract

High energy electrons subjected to large radial accelerations radiate considerable energy in the optical spectrum. The distribution of energy in the light from a synchrotron beam has been measured and compared with theory at several electron energies up to 80 Mev. The results indicate reasonable agreement with theory. Measurement of total light output allowed an estimate of electron current in the beam. High speed photography of the light permitted observation of the size and motion of the beam within the accelerator tube.