Generation Free Electron Laser Research Articles

High-gain free-electron laser with orbital angular momentum seeded by an x-ray regenerative amplifier

High-gain high-mode generation (HGHMG) free-electron laser has been experimentally confirmed to produce vortex light from a relativistic electron beam and is proposed to generate fully-coherent, high-brightness hard x-ray carrying orbital angular momentum at modern free electron laser facilities. However, this requires a coherent x-ray seed laser with sufficient power to perform the helical modulation on the electron beam. In this contribution, we propose a promising scheme to generate a fully coherent x-ray seed laser for the HGHMG system. In this scheme, an x-ray regenerative amplifier is used to offer a fully coherent x-ray seed laser to modulate the electron beam in a helical undulator. With the proposed technique, high-power and high-repetition-rate x-ray with orbital angular momentum can be produced, which will open routes to scientific research in x-ray science.

Tunable frequency comb from echo-enabled harmonic generation free electron laser

We propose a novel scheme for the generation of a tunable soft x-ray frequency comb in a seeded free-electron laser (FEL) via the chirped pulse beating technology. Our research shows that harnessing the chirped pulse laser to imprint a submillimeter-scale energy modulation in the phase space of the relativistic electron beam together with the process of echo-enabled effect, multichromatic output soft x-ray radiation with a series of longitudinal modes can be amplified in an echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) free electron laser, which finally forms a comb-liked shape in the frequency spectrum with the mode spacing frequency at terahertz (THz) band. Based on the theoretical and numerical analyses of the modulation process, the electron beam maintains a nanometer-scale microstructures due to the echo effect, while the beam obtains an energy modulation at submillimeter-scale from the chirped pulse beating laser. This leads to a series of longitudinal modes in the downstream radiator. Three-dimension time-dependent simulation results show that a frequency comb with a central wavelength of 8.9 nm can be generated directly with the help of chirped beating laser. The frequency spacing between the frequency lines on the radiation spectrum can be tuned easily by changing the parameters of chirped beating laser.

Comparative Theoretical Analysis of Harmonic Generation in Free-Electron Lasers with Different Electron Beam Parameters

Comparative Theoretical Analysis of Harmonic Generation in Free-Electron Lasers with Different Electron Beam Parameters

ARIA—A VUV Beamline for EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB

EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB is a new Free Electron Laser (FEL) facility that is currently under construction at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati of the INFN. The electron beam driving the FEL will be delivered by an X-band normal conducting LINAC followed by a plasma wakefield acceleration stage. It will be characterized by a small footprint and will deliver ultra-bright photon pulses for experiments in the water window to the user community. In addition to the soft-X-rays beamline already planned in the project, we propose the installation of a second photon beamline with seeded FEL pulses in the range between 50 and 180 nm. Here, we will present the FEL generation scheme, the layout of the dedicated beamline and the potential applications of the FEL radiation source in this low energy range.

Characterization of soft x-ray echo-enabled harmonic generation free-electron laser pulses in the presence of incoherent electron beam energy modulations

Echo-enabled harmonic generation free-electron lasers (EEHG FELs) are promising candidates to produce fully coherent soft x-ray pulses by virtue of efficient high harmonic frequency up-conversion from UV lasers. The ultimate spectral limit of EEHG, however, remains unclear, because of the broadening and distortions induced in the output spectrum by residual broadband energy modulations in the electron beam. We present a mathematical description of the impact of incoherent (broadband) energy modulations on the bunching spectrum produced by the microbunching instability through both the accelerator and the EEHG line. The model is in agreement with a systematic experimental characterization of the FERMI EEHG FEL in the photon energy range $130-210$ eV. We find that amplification of electron beam energy distortions primarily in the EEHG dispersive sections explains an observed reduction of the FEL spectral brightness that is proportional to the EEHG harmonic number. Local maxima of the FEL spectral brightness and of the spectral stability are found for a suitable balance of the dispersive sections' strength and the first seed laser pulse energy. Such characterization provides a benchmark for user experiments and future EEHG implementations designed to reach shorter wavelengths.

Numerical study of the second harmonic generation in FELs

A numerical study of the effect of betatron oscillations on the second harmonic generation in free-electron lasers (FELs) is presented. Analytical expressions for the effective coupling strength factors are derived that clearly distinguish all contributions in subharmonics and each polarization of the radiation. A three-dimensional time-dependent numerical FEL code that takes into account the main FEL effects and the individual contribution of each electron to the second harmonic generation is presented. Also, the X- and Y-polarizations of the second harmonic are analyzed. The second harmonic was detected in experiments at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Low Energy Undulator Test Line (LEUTL) and Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) in the soft X-ray regime. The approach presented in the article can be useful for a comprehensive study and diagnostics of XFELs. In the paper, the LCLS and Pohang Accelerator Laboratory X-ray Free-Electron Laser (PAL-XFEL) experiments are modeled. The simulation results are in a good agreement with the experimental data.

Free electron lasers driven by plasma accelerators: status and near-term prospects

Abstract Owing to their ultra-high accelerating gradients, combined with injection inside micrometer-scale accelerating wakefield buckets, plasma-based accelerators hold great potential to drive a new generation of free-electron lasers (FELs). Indeed, the first demonstration of plasma-driven FEL gain was reported recently, representing a major milestone for the field. Several groups around the world are pursuing these novel light sources, with methodology varying in the use of wakefield driver (laser-driven or beam-driven), plasma structure, phase-space manipulation, beamline design, and undulator technology, among others. This paper presents our best attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the global community efforts towards plasma-based FEL research and development.

High-sensitivity x-ray/optical cross-correlator for next generation free-electron lasers.

We design and realize an arrival time diagnostic for ultrashort X-ray pulses achieving unprecedented high sensitivity in the soft X-ray regime via cross-correlation with a ≈1550 nm optical laser. An interferometric detection scheme is combined with a multi-layer sample design to greatly improve the sensitivity of the measurement. We achieve up to 275% of relative signal change when exposed to 1.6 mJ/cm2 of soft X-rays at 530 eV, more than a hundred-fold improvement in sensitivity as compared to previously reported techniques. The resolution of the arrival time measurement is estimated to around 2.8 fs (rms). The demonstrated X-ray arrival time monitor paves the way for sub-10 fs-level timing jitter at high repetition rate X-ray facilities.

Megahertz-compatible angular streaking with few-femtosecond resolution at x-ray free-electron lasers

Highly brilliant, coherent, femtosecond x-ray pulses delivered by free-electron lasers (FELs) constitute one of the pillars of modern ultrafast science. Next generation FEL facilities provide up to megahertz repetition rates and pulse durations down to the attosecond regime utilizing self-amplification of spontaneous emission. However, the stochastic nature of this generation mechanism demands single-shot pulse characterization to perform meaningful experiments. Here we demonstrate a fast yet robust online analysis technique capable of megahertz-rate mapping of the temporal intensity structure and arrival time of x-ray FEL pulses with few-femtosecond resolution. We performed angular streaking measurements of both neon photo- and Auger electrons and show their applicability for a direct time-domain feedback system during ongoing experiments. The fidelity of the real-time pulse characterization algorithm is corroborated by resolving isolated x-ray pulses and double pulse trains with few-femtosecond substructure, thus paving the way for x-ray-pump--x-ray-probe FEL science at repetition rates compatible with the demands of LCLS-II and European XFEL.

Overview on development of metallic and superconducting photocathodes by the PLD technique for linear accelerator sources

In this paper, we report on the current status of the different configurations that have been suggested for the preparation of metallic and superconducting photocathodes (MPs and SCPs, respectively) by pulsed laser deposition . These strategic devices are used in the new generation of free-electron lasers and in research and development into plasma-based accelerators. To date, three different types of photocathodes have been used: conventional, hybrid and non-conventional configurations. In the case of the conventional configuration, the photocathode consists of a metallic bulk, typically Cu for normal conducting radio-frequency guns and Nb for superconducting radio-frequency guns. In the hybrid configuration, a thin emitting film with high photoemission performance, like Y or Mg, is located in the centre of the Cu flange of the photoinjector. For hybrid SCPs, the emitting material is a thin film of Pb, which has a quantum efficiency higher than that of Nb. Non-conventional configurations of MPs and SCPs have recently been engineered that consist respectively of a Y disc partially covered by a film of Cu and a Pb disc partially covered by a film of Nb. The central surfaces of the Y and Pb discs are not coated, thus providing an emitting area of the materials with higher quantum efficiency. These last devices inserted into a RF gun offer both the photoemission properties and work function of Y and the advantages of Cu in the case of MPs. In the case of SCPs, this new approach offers the relatively high photo-emissive properties of Pb and at the same time preserves all the advantages of Nb as a superconducting material.

From Electronic Structure to Design Principles for Photocathodes: Cu - Ba Alloys

Developing the next generation of free-electron lasers (FELs) depends on lowering the work function and increasing the quantum efficiency of the photocathode material. However, rules for designing appropriate materials are difficult to discern from observations of structure-composition relationships. This study uses high-quality electronic-structure calculations and a simple physical model to develop design rules for metallic alloys. Interestingly, Cu-Ba alloys terminating in a plane of Ba atoms bear a significant surface dipole, low work function, and high quantum efficiency. These alloys could yield better photocathodes than conventional Cu, and thus better FEL performance.

Nonlinear XUV-optical transient grating spectroscopy at the Si L2,3–edge

Time-resolved transient grating (TG) spectroscopy facilitates detailed studies of electron dynamics and transport phenomena by means of a periodic excitation of matter with coherent ultrashort light pulses. Several current and next generation free-electron laser (FEL) facilities provide fully coherent pulses with few femtosecond pulse durations and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) photon energies. Thus, they allow for transient grating experiments with periodicities as small as tens of nanometers and with element specific photon energies. Here, we demonstrate the element specificity of XUV TG (X-TG) experiments by tuning the photon energy across the Si L2,3-edge of Si3N4. We observe a shortening of the signal decay when increasing the XUV photon energy above the absorption edge. The analysis of the wavelength dependent signal shows that the faster decay is driven by the increase in the charge carrier density. From the decay constants the interband Auger coefficient at elevated temperatures and high electron densities has been determined.

Coherent soft X-ray pulses from an echo-enabled harmonic generation free-electron laser

X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs), which amplify light emitted by a relativistic electron beam, are extending nonlinear optical techniques to shorter wavelengths, adding element specificity by exciting and probing electronic transitions from core levels. These techniques would benefit tremendously from having a stable FEL source, generating spectrally pure and wavelength-tunable pulses. We show that such requirements can be met by operating the FEL in the so-called echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) configuration. Here, two external conventional lasers are used to precisely tailor the longitudinal phase space of the electron beam before emission of X-rays. We demonstrate high-gain EEHG lasing producing stable, intense, nearly fully coherent pulses at wavelengths as short as 5.9 nm (~211 eV) at the FERMI FEL user facility. Low sensitivity to electron-beam imperfections and observation of stable, narrow-band, coherent emission down to 2.6 nm (~474 eV) make the technique a prime candidate for generating laser-like pulses in the X-ray spectral region, opening the door to multidimensional coherent spectroscopies at short wavelengths. Echo-enabled harmonic generation in a free-electron laser enables 45th harmonic pulses from a 264 nm wavelength seed, yielding 5.9 nm wavelength coherent output.

Seeded X-ray free-electron laser generating radiation with laser statistical properties

The invention of optical lasers led to a revolution in the field of optics and to the creation of such fields of research as quantum optics. The reason was their unique statistical and coherence properties. The emerging, short-wavelength free-electron lasers (FELs) are sources of very bright coherent extreme-ultraviolet and X-ray radiation with pulse durations on the order of femtoseconds, and are presently considered to be laser sources at these energies. FELs are highly spatially coherent to the first-order but in spite of their name, behave statistically as chaotic sources. Here, we demonstrate experimentally, by combining Hanbury Brown and Twiss interferometry with spectral measurements that the seeded XUV FERMI FEL-2 source does indeed behave statistically as a laser. The results may be useful for quantum optics experiments and for the design and operation of next generation FEL sources.

Difference frequency generation in free electron lasers.

We propose a simple scheme for difference frequency generation in free electron lasers (FELs), in which the electron beam interacts with a dual-frequency laser and emits intense coherent radiation at the difference frequency. We analytically show that the microbunch formation in the electron beam, which is the most important process in FELs, is dominated by nonlinear wave mixing in the proposed scheme. Numerical examples of applying the proposed scheme to generating terahertz radiation are presented as one of the most important applications.

Performance of a second generation X -band rf photoinjector

rf photoinjectors produce incredibly bright electron beams enabling advanced photon science applications such as the current generation of free electron lasers and high energy x-rays and gamma-rays via laser-Compton scattering. A second generation 5.59 cell $X$-band rf gun has been developed, installed, conditioned, commissioned, tuned, and used to produce laser-Compton x-rays and multiple electron bunches. A charge per bunch from a few pC to 500 pC has been measured, consistent with a quantum efficiency of $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ using a 263 nm 10 Hz photocathode drive laser. The rf gun has operated close to design performance at high gradient, and more reliably at lower gradient achieving a root mean square normalized emittance of 0.3 mm mrad at both 80 pC at $185\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MV}/\mathrm{m}$, and 40 pC at $165\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MV}/\mathrm{m}$. Thermal emittance is estimated at $0.55\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{mm}\text{ }\mathrm{mrad}/\mathrm{mm}$. Energy spread of 0.03% has been achieved. These results agree very well with modeling predictions for the operating conditions under which the measurements were made. Unusually disruptive breakdowns were observed with an applied magnetic field of $0.5T$ used for emittance compensation.

Generation of coherent two-color pulses at two adjacent harmonics in a seeded free-electron laser

The growing requirements of pump-probe techniques and nonlinear optics experiments greatly promote the studies of two-color free-electron lasers (FELs). We propose a new method to generate coherent two-color pulses in a high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) FEL. In this scheme, an initial tilted electron beam is sent though the modulator and dispersive section of an HGHG FEL to generate the bunching at harmonics of the seed laser. Then a transverse gradient undulator (TGU) is adopted as the radiator and in such radiator, only two separated fractions of the tilted beam will resonate at two adjacent harmonics of the seed laser and are enabled to emit the coherent two-color pulses simultaneously. The time separation between the two pulses are on the order of hundreds of femtoseconds, and can be precisely controlled by varying the tilted amplitude of the electron beam and/or the transverse gradient of the TGU radiator. Numerical simulations confirm the validity and feasibility of this scheme in the EUV waveband.

High-harmonic x-ray undulator radiation for nanoscale-wavelength free-electron lasers

We explore the undulator radiation (UR) from relativistic electrons in two-frequency undulators intended for use in x-ray free-electron lasers (FELs). We use an exact analytical account for the major sources of spectral line broadening of the spontaneous UR to describe the UR spectrum, intensity and emission line shape. We also show possible partial compensation of the off-axis divergence by ad hoc imposed weak transverse constant magnetic components. The harmonic radiation of the two-frequency undulator is studied. High-harmonics amplification in the two-frequency undulator is underlined for possible use in x-ray FELs and the generation of powerful x-ray radiation is demonstrated. The evolution of high harmonic power is studied with the help of the developed phenomenological self-amplified spontaneous emission FEL model. The performance of a high-gain harmonic generation FEL with a two-frequency undulator–prebuncher is explored. Harmonic multiplication cascades are introduced in FELs to obtain nanometer x-ray FEL radiation in reduced size FELs at ~30 m with seed from commercially available excimer laser and ~0.5 GeV electrons.

Parameter optimization and start-to-end simulation for the phase-merging enhanced harmonic generation free electron laser

Recently, a novel scheme called the phase-merging enhanced harmonic generation (PEHG) free-electron laser (FEL) has been developed to achieve higher harmonic bunching in a single stage set up. However, previous studies of the PEHG mechanism ignored the practical lattice configuration, leaving out the impact of the intrinsic beam divergence on the phase-merging effect. In this paper, a new method based on the beam transport matrix is proposed to comprehensively study the optimization conditions of the harmonic generation FELs. On the basis of this method, the new optimization conditions of the PEHG are obtained by taking into account both the intrinsic horizontal beam size and the intrinsic horizontal beam divergence. The parameter optimization and three dimensional start-to-end simulations are carried out using the typical beam parameters of the Shanghai Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser user facility. The simulation results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the validity of the PEHG-FEL.

High gain harmonic generation free electron lasers enhanced by pseudoenergy bands

We propose a new scheme for high gain harmonic generation free electron lasers (HGHG FELs), which is seeded by a pair of intersecting laser beams to interact with an electron beam in a modulator undulator located in a dispersive section. The interference of the laser beams gives rise to a two-dimensional modulation in the energy-time phase space because of a strong correlation between the electron energy and the position in the direction of dispersion. This eventually forms pseudoenergy bands in the electron beam, which result in efficient harmonic generation in HGHG FELs in a similar manner to the well-known scheme using the echo effects. The advantage of the proposed scheme is that the beam quality is less deteriorated than in other existing schemes.