Three-dimensional Wigner-function description of the quantum free-electron laser.

A free-electron laser (FEL) operating in the quantum regime can provide a compact and monochromatic x-ray source. Here we present the complete quantum model for a FEL with a laser wiggler in three spatial dimensions, based on a discrete Wigner-function formalism taking into account the longitudinal momentum quantization. The model describes the complete spatial and temporal evolution of the electron and radiation beams, including diffraction, propagation, laser wiggler profile and emittance effects. The transverse motion is described in a suitable classical limit, since the typical beam emittance values are much larger than the Compton wavelength quantum limit. In this approximation we derive an equation for the Wigner function which reduces to the three-dimensional Vlasov equation in the complete classical limit. Preliminary numerical results are presented together with parameters for a possible experiment.