Abstract
The creation of the first X-ray free-electron laser at SLAC in 2009 introduced the scientific community to coherent photons of unprecedented high brightness. These photons were produced, however, at the cost of billion-dollar-class price tags and kilometer-scale machine footprints. This has meant that getting access to these photons is very difficult, and those who do get access do so with a strict time budget. Now, the development of critical enabling technologies, in particular high-field cryogenically cooled accelerating cavities and short-period, high-field undulator magnets, opens the door to an X-ray free-electron laser less than 30 m in length. We present here critical potential design elements for such a soft X-ray free-electron laser. To this end, simulation results are presented focusing on the problems associated with the process of bunch compression and novel ways in which those problems can be resolved.
Highlights
The first operation of the Linac Coherent Light Source in 2009 inaugurated the X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) as an invaluable tool for scientific discovery [1]. It immediately increased the available brightness of X-ray photons by more than 9 orders of magnitude [2]. The utility of this high-quality photon source has been limited by the restricted access provided to the scientific community by the handful of existent XFELs
We explore some critical aspects of the ultra-compact XFEL, which is expected to produce coherent X-ray photons at the level of a few percent of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) in a fraction of the length, only a few tens of meters
We present progress towards start-to-end simulations of a compact X-ray free-electron laser and, in particular, discuss the difficulties associated with bunch compression for such a compact system
Summary
The first operation of the Linac Coherent Light Source in 2009 inaugurated the X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) as an invaluable tool for scientific discovery [1]. It immediately increased the available brightness of X-ray photons by more than 9 orders of magnitude [2]. Three distinct components of the XFEL can be identified that illuminate why it has traditionally been such an expensive, large-scale machine. These are the actual accelerating structure, the undulator, and the bunch compressors.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
