Realizing quantum free-electron lasers: a critical analysis of experimental challenges and theoretical limits

Abstract We examine the experimental requirements for realizing a high-gain quantum free-electron laser (QFEL). Beyond fundamental constraints on electron beam and undulator, we discuss optimized interaction geometries, include coherence properties along with the impact of diffraction, space-charge and spontaneous emission. Based on desired QFEL properties, as well as current experimental capabilities, we provide a procedure for determining a corresponding set of experimental parameters. Even for an idealized situation, the combined constraints on space-charge and spontaneous emission put strong limits on sustaining the quantum regime over several gain lengths. Guided by these results we propose to shift the focus towards seeded QFELs instead of continuing to aim for self-amplified spontaneous emission. Moreover, we point out the necessity of a rigorous quantum theory for spontaneous emission as well as for space-charge in order to identify possible loopholes in our line of argument.