Multimode dynamics in a short-pulse THz free electron laser

The interaction of waveguide modes and consequences on laser operation are studied numerically in a THz free electron laser (FEL) driven by short electron bunches. The considered FEL cavity configuration is represented by a parallel-plate waveguide extending over the complete distance between cylindrical cavity mirrors with energy out-coupling through a rectangular slit in one of the mirrors. We describe the multimode FEL cavity desynchronization dynamics and predict strong enhancement in FEL power at special cavity configurations, when modes are degenerate. Furthermore, we predict that simultaneous excitation of several waveguide modes can occur but do not negatively influence the lasing process.