Laser-based Beam Diagnostics for Accelerators and Light Sources*

The Laser Applications at Accelerators network (LA3NET) was selected for funding within the European Union's 7th Framework Programme. During its 4 year duration the project has successfully trained 19 Fellows and organized numerous events that were open to the wider laser and accelerator communities. The network linked research into lasers and accelerators to develop advanced particle sources, new accelerating schemes, and in particular beyond state-of-the-art beam diagnostics. This paper summarizes the research results in laser-based beam diagnostics for accelerators and light sources. It discusses the achievable resolution of laser-based velocimeters to measure the velocity of particle beams, the resolution limits of bunch shape measurements using electro-optical crystals, position resolution of laser wire scanners, and limits in energy measurements using Compton backscattering at synchrotron light sources. Finally, it also provides a summary of events organized by the network and shows how an interdisciplinary research program can provide comprehensive training to a cohort of early career researchers.