High-Brightness Photocathode Electron Sources

Most present and future electron accelerators require bright sources. Invented less than ten years ago, the photo-injector the principle of which is briefly recalled, has already demonstrated that it can provide very bright beams. In this paper, the most advanced photo-injector projects are reviewed, their specific features are outlined, and their major issues are examined. The state-of-the-art in photocathode and laser technologies is presented. Beam dynamics issues are also considered since they are essential in the production of bright beams. Finally, the question of the maturity of photo-injector technology is addressed.