Can coherent Smith–Purcell radiation be used to determine the shape of an electron bunch?

Recent measurements at Frascati of the Smith–Purcell radiation emitted from the interaction of a 2.3 MeV (total) electron beam with a 2.5 mm grating show clear evidence of coherent enhancement of the radiation, with power levels exceeding 100 mW at emission angles around 90° relative to the beam direction. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions and suggest that Smith–Purcell radiation may offer a simple way of determining the shape and duration of short (picosecond) electron bunches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]