Soft-x-ray coherent radiation using a single-cascade free-electron laser

Coherent harmonic generation using single-pass free-electron lasers is a promising method for generating coherent radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet and x-ray spectral region. We propose a simple scheme allowing one to generate powerful coherent radiation in the soft x-ray region by making use of present available technology. The method relies on the possibility of creating substantial bunching in a relativistic electron beam, while limiting the growth of its energy spread. The validity of the scheme is demonstrated using a simple one-dimensional model. Results are confirmed by three-dimensional simulations.