First measurement of energy diffusion in an electron beam due to quantum fluctuations in the undulator radiation

Abstract: We present measurements of slice energy spread growth due to quantum fluctuations of the undulator radiation at the European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser. The method uses a recently installed diagnostic wakefield structure, which enables measurements of the longitudinal phase space after the hard X-ray undulator. The effect of quantum diffusion in the undulator is measured for the first time, and the results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.