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FEL Definition
A Free Electron Laser (FEL) is a type of laser that uses electrons traveling at relativistic speeds to generate coherent radiation or light. The functional part of the FEL is what is called the Undulator or Wiggler, it is a device which uses an alternating magnetic field to cause the electrons to wiggle and therefore release a photon. 
Benefits of a FEL
- FEL's are tunable, i.e. they can output different wavelengths during operation.
- FEL's can be designed to produce a range of wavelengths, from microwaves to X-rays.
- FEL's can scale to very high power because the use a vacuum for their medium they are not affected by heat problems that are common in other lasing techniques.
- FEL's are efficient, generally a FEL can transform 10% of its energy into a LASER
- FEL's are reliable in that they can run for long periods of time.
Here are some other links to definitions of a FEL:
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