This paper gives an extensive characterization of the range of validity of the Compton and Raman approximations to the exact free electron laser dispersion relation for a cold, relativistic electron beam propagating through a constantamplitude helical wiggler magnetic field. The electron beam is treated as infinite in transverse extent. Specific properties of the exact and approximate dispersion relations are investigated analytically and numerically. In particular, a detailed numerical analysis is carried out to determine the range of validity of the Compton approximation.
Improved free-electron laser stability and performance using a hollow electron beam