Optics of broadband infrared diagnostics for accelerators

This review is devoted to an analysis of the properties and potentiality of optical synchrotron diagnostics, which is now a flexible means to study bunches (beams) of charged particles during their acceleration (storage) and interaction. The review briefly describes the history and main optical features of the devices used in experimental investigations of synchrotron radiation, beginning with the studies at the Lebedev Physical Institute. More elaborately considered is the infrared synchrotron method of diagnostics, which was developed at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and is based on optical methods developed at the Lebedev Physical Institute and Moscow State University. The main attention of the practical experiments is focused on designing, creating, and using special (broadband and long-focus) infrared optics, including mirrors, lenses, and heat-resistant windows. The merits and advantages of infrared diagnostics in comparison with optical diagnostics are shown in real examples.