J. Rossbach, for the TESLA FEL collaboration
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg
The first observation of Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE) in a free-electron laser (FEL) in the Vacuum Ultraviolet range between 80 nm and 180 nm is presented. The observed free-electron laser gain (typically above 1000) and the radiation characteristics, such as dependency on bunch charge, angular distribution, spectral width and intensity fluctuations are discussed. Some accelerator physics and instrumentation issues are covered, and the further plans for the TESLA Test Facility (TTF) FEL will be mentioned.
