Abstract: | In this paper,by using the"frequency up-conversion"principle with a high gain harmonic generation free electron laser and an external seed laser,we consider the possibility of modulating a relativistic electron beam on the attosecond scale,so that it can produce coherent spontaneous radiation from the deep ultraviolet to the hard X-ray spectral region with a very short radiator.Analytical estimation and three-dimensional numerical modeling show the great potential to reach ultra-high harmonics up to several thousand.For an electron bunch with the typical quality as in the free electron laser scheme and a seed laser with 800 nm wavelength,0.8 nm attosecond trains with alterable duration and GW scale peak power are modeled.The output radiation exhibits good shot-to-shot stability,full coherence and perfect tuning ability between the discrete harmonics of the seed frequency. |