L. Doolittle

A recirculating linac-based facility for ultrafast x-ray science

We present an updated design for a proposed source of ultra-fast synchrotron radiation pulses based on a recirculating superconducting linac, in particular the incorporation of EUV and soft x-ray production. The project has been named LUX - Linac-based Ultrafast X-ray facility. The source produces intense x-ray pulses with duration of 10-100 fs at a 10 kHz repetition rate, with synchronization of 10s fs, optimized for the study of ultra-fast dynamics. The photon range covers the EUV to hard x-ray spectrum by use of seeded harmonic generation in undulators, and a specialized technique for ultra-short-pulse photon production in the 1-10 keV range. High-brightness rf photocathodes produce electron bunches which are optimized either for coherent emission in free-electron lasers, or to provide a large x/y emittance ration and small vertical emittance which allows for manipulation to produce short-pulse hard x-rays. An injector linac accelerates the beam to 120 MeV, and is followed by four passes through a 600-720 MeV recirculating linac. We outline the major technical components of the proposed facility.

A 20fs synchronization system for lasers and cavities in accelerators and FELs

A fiber-optic RF distribution system has been developed for synchronizing lasers and RF plants in short pulse FELs. Typical requirements are 50-100fs rms over time periods from 1ms to several hours. Our system amplitude modulates a CW laser signal, senses fiber length using an interferometer, and feed-forward corrects the RF phase digitally at the receiver. We demonstrate less than 15fs rms error over 12 hours, between two independent channels with a fiber path length difference of 200m and transmitting S-band RF. The system is constructed using standard telecommunications components, and uses regular telecom fiber.

Diagnostic for a high-repetition rate electron photo-gun and first measurements

The APEX electron source at LBNL combines the high-repetition-rate with the high beam brightness typical of photoguns, delivering low emittance electron pulses at MHz frequency. Proving the high beam quality of the beam is an essential step for the success of the experiment, opening the doors of the high average power to brightness-hungry applications as X-Ray FELs, MHz ultrafast electron diffraction etc.. As first step, a complete characterization of the beam parameters is foreseen at the Gun beam energy of 750 keV. Diagnostics for low and high current measurements have been installed and tested, and measurements of cathode lifetime and thermal emittance in a RF environment with mA current performed. The recent installation of a double slit system, a deflecting cavity and a high precision spectrometer, allow the exploration of the full 6D phase space. Here we discuss the present layout of the machine and future upgrades, showing the latest results at low and high repetition rate, together with the tools and techniques used.

R&D Requirements, RF Gun Mode Studies, FEL-2 Steady-StateStudies, Preliminary FEL-1 Time-Dependent Studies, and Preliminary LayoutOption Investigation

This report constitutes the third deliverable of LBNLs contracted role in the FERMI {at} Elettra Technical Optimization study. It describes proposed R&D activities for the baseline design of the Technical Optimization Study, initial studies of the RF gun mode-coupling and potential effects on beam dynamics, steady-state studies of FEL-2 performance to 10 nm, preliminary studies of time-dependent FEL-1 performance using electron bunch distribution from the start-to-end studies, and a preliminary investigation of a configuration with FEL sinclined at a small angle from the line of the linac.

The FERMI @ Elettra Technical Optimization Study: PreliminaryParameter Set and Initial Studies

The goal of the FERMI {at} Elettra Technical Optimization Study is to produce a machine design and layout consistent with user needs for radiation in the approximate ranges 100 nm to 40 nm, and 40 nm to 10 nm, using seeded FELs. The Study will involve collaboration between Italian and US physicists and engineers, and will form the basis for the engineering design and the cost estimation.

The FERMI @ Elettra Technical Optimization Study: General Layoutand Parameters and Physics Studies of Longitudinal Space Charge, theSpreader, the Injector, and Preliminary FEL Performance

The FERMI {at} Elettra facility will make use of the existing GeV linac at Sincrotrone Elettra, which will become available for dedicated FEL applications following the completion of construction of a new injector booster complex for the storage ring. With a new rf photocathode injector, and some additional accelerating sections, this linac will be capable of providing high brightness bunches at 1.2 GeV and up to 50 Hz repetition rates.

LUX — A Recirculating Linac‐based Ultrafast X‐ray Source

We describe the design of a proposed source of ultra‐fast synchrotron radiation x‐ray pulses based on a recirculating superconducting linac, with an integrated array of ultrafast laser systems. The source produces x‐ray pulses with duration of 10–50 fs at a 10 kHz repetition rate, with tunability from EUV to hard x‐ray regimes, and optimized for the study of ultra‐fast dynamics. A high‐brightness rf photocathode provides electron bunches. An injector linac accelerates the beam to the 100 MeV range, and is followed by four passes through a 700 MeV recirculating linac. Ultrafast hard x‐ray pulses are obtained by a combination of electron bunch manipulation, transverse temporal correlation of the electrons, and x‐ray pulse compression. EUV and soft x‐ray pulses as short as 10 fs are generated in a harmonic‐cascade free electron laser scheme. We describe the facility major systems and peformance.

LUX - A Design Study for a Linac/laser-based Ultrafast X-ray Source

We describe the design concepts for a potential future source of femtosecond x-ray pulses based on synchrotron radiation production in a recirculating electron linac. Using harmonic cascade free-electron lasers (FELs) and spontaneous emission in short-period, narrow-gap insertion devices, a broad range of photon energies are available with tunability from EUV to hard x-ray regimes. Photon pulse durations are controllable and range from 10 fs to 200 fs, with fluxes 107-1012 photons per pulse. Full spatial and temporal coherence is obtained for EUV and soft X-rays. A fiber laser master oscillator and stabilized timing distribution scheme are proposed to synchronize accelerator rf systems and multiple lasers throughout the facility, allowing timing synchronization between sample excitation and X-ray probe of approximately 20-50 fs.