Learn about the latest advances in high-brightness X-ray physics and technology with this authoritative text. Drawing upon the most recent theoretical developments, pre-eminent leaders in the field guide readers through the fundamental principles and techniques of high-brightness X-ray generation from both synchrotron and free-electron laser sources. A wide range of topics is covered, including high-brightness synchrotron radiation from undulators, self-amplified spontaneous emission, seeded high-gain amplifiers with harmonic generation, ultra-short pulses, tapering for higher power, free-electron laser oscillators, and X-ray oscillator and amplifier configuration. Novel mathematical approaches and numerous figures accompanied by intuitive explanations enable easy understanding of key concepts, whilst practical considerations of performance-improving techniques and discussion of recent experimental results provide the tools and knowledge needed to address current research problems in the field. This is a comprehensive resource for graduate students, researchers and practitioners who design, manage or use X-ray facilities.

'The strength of this book is, as I remarked earlier, the extensive mathematical treatments, including coherence length and time. … The authors’ book subtitle stresses the principles of coherent X-ray generation and this is indeed brought out in various aspects such as longitudinal and transverse coherence. Their illustration with respect to Young’s two-slit interference experiment is a neat didactic touch. … To summarize, this book is a feast of mathematical physics and deserves extensive study to fully understand synchrotron radiation and FELs, and their coherence emission, in all their glories. Their development is one of the most remarkable scientific and technological advances of all of the last 50 years or so.'

John R. Helliwell Source: Journal of Synchrotron Radiation