Experimental Characterization of Sub-picosecond Electron Bunch Length with Coherent Diffraction Radiation

Diffraction radiation is one of the most promising candidates for electron beam diagnostics for the International Linear Collider, x-ray free electron lasers and energy recovery linac due to its non-intercepting characteristics. We report the non-intercepting measurement of sub-ps electron bunch length with coherent diffraction radiation. The bunch length is measured with a Martin--Puplett interferometer and the detailed longitudinal bunch shape is reconstructed with the Kramers--Kronig relation. The rms bunch length is found to be about 0.73ps, which confirms a successful commissioning of the bunch compressor and the interferometer.