Accelerator-Based Sources of Infrared and Terahertz Radiation

Infrared radiation from the near- to the far-infrared (terahertz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is extensively used for many different purposes. Accelerator-based sources of infrared and terahertz radiation have become well-accepted research tools. This article introduces the physics processes underlying the generation of infrared radiation by different methods. Special emphasis is put on the interesting properties of coherent radiation, and the corresponding accelerator requirements are discussed. Finally, the various available accelerator-based sources are compared in view of different figures of merit.