Generation Of Femtosecond X-ray Pulses Research Articles

Three-dimensional time and frequency-domain theory of femtosecond x-ray pulse generation through Thomson scattering

The generation of high intensity, ultrashort x-ray pulses enables exciting new experimental capabilities, such as femtosecond pump-probe experiments used to temporally resolve material structural dynamics on atomic time scales. Thomson backscattering of a high intensity laser pulse with a bright relativistic electron bunch is a promising method for producing such high-brightness x-ray pulses in the 10--100 keV range within a compact facility. While a variety of methods for producing subpicosecond x-ray bursts by Thomson scattering exist, including compression of the electron bunch to subpicosecond bunch lengths and/or colliding a subpicosecond laser pulse in a side-on geometry to minimize the interaction time, a promising alternative approach to achieving this goal while maintaining ultrahigh brightness is the production of a time-correlated (or chirped) x-ray pulse in conjunction with pulse slicing or compression. We present the results of a complete analysis of this process using a recently developed 3D time and frequency-domain code for analyzing the spatial, temporal, and spectral properties an x-ray beam produced by relativistic Thomson scattering. Based on the relativistic differential cross section, this code has the capability to calculate time and space dependent spectra of the x-ray photons produced from linear Thomson scattering for both bandwidth-limited and chirped incident laser pulses. Spectral broadening of the scattered x-ray pulse resulting from the incident laser bandwidth, laser focus, and the transverse and longitudinal phase space of the electron beam were examined. Simulations of chirped x-ray pulse production using both a chirped electron beam and a chirped laser pulse are presented. Required electron beam and laser parameters are summarized by investigating the effects of beam emittance, energy spread, and laser bandwidth on the scattered x-ray spectrum. It is shown that sufficient temporal correlation in the scattered x-ray spectrum to produce sub-100 fs temporal slice resolution can be produced from state-of-the-art, high-brightness electron beams without the need to perform longitudinal compression on the electron bunch.

Chirped-beam two-stage free-electron laser for high-power femtosecond x-ray pulse generation

A method for generating femtosecond-duration x-ray pulses with a free-electron laser is presented. This method uses an energy-chirped electron beam propagating through an undulator to produce a frequency-chirped x-ray pulse by self-amplified spontaneous emission. A short temporal pulse is created by use of a monochromator to select a narrow radiation bandwidth. A second undulator is used to amplify the short-duration radiation. The radiation characteristics produced by a chirped-beam two-stage free-electron laser are calculated, and the performance of the chirped-beam two-stage option for the Linac Coherent Light Source is considered.

Chirped-beam two-stage SASE-FEL for high power femtosecond X-ray pulse generation

A method for generating femtosecond duration X-ray pulses using a single-pass free-electron laser (FEL) is presented. This method uses an energy-chirped electron beam propagating through an undulator to produce a frequency-chirped X-ray pulse through self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE). After the undulator, we consider passing the radiation through a monochromator. The frequency is correlated to the longitudinal position within the pulse; therefore, by selecting a narrow bandwidth, a short temporal pulse will be transmitted. The short pulse radiation is used to seed a second undulator, where the radiation is amplified to saturation. In addition to short pulse generation, this scheme has the ability to control shot-to-shot fluctuations in the central wavelength due to electron beam energy jitter. We present calculations of the radiation characteristics produced by a chirped-beam two-stage SASE–FEL, and consider the performance of the chirped-beam two-stage option for the Linac Coherent Light Source.

Generation of femtosecond X-ray pulses via laser–electron beam interaction

The generation of femtosecond X-ray pulses will have important scientific applications by enabling the direct measurement of atomic motion and structural dynamics in condensed matter on the fundamental time scale of a vibrational period. Interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with relativistic electron beams is an effective approach to generating femtosecond pulses of X-rays. In this paper we present recent results from proof-of-principle experiments in which 300 fs pulses are generated from a synchrotron storage ring by using an ultrashort optical pulse to create femtosecond time structure on the stored electron bunch. A previously demonstrated approach for generating femtosecond X-rays via Thomson scattering between terawatt laser pulses and relativistic electrons is reviewed and compared with storage-ring based schemes.

Pulse broadening in femtosecond x-ray diffraction

Advances in femtosecond laser technology make feasible the generation of femtosecond x-ray pulses. An analysis of Bragg diffraction of subpicosecond x-ray pulses is presented. It is shown that the three-dimensional nature of the diffracting crystal grating and the finite size of the x-ray beam will lead to a considerable broadening of the diffracted femtosecond x-ray pulse.