Peter Sondhauss

Repetitive ultrafast melting of InSb as an x-ray timing diagnostic

We have demonstrated the possibility of using repetitive ultrafast melting of InSb as a timing diagnostic in connection with visible-light pump∕x-ray probe measurements at high-repetition-rate x-ray facilities. Although the sample was molten and regrown approximately 1×106 times, a distinct reduction in time-resolved x-ray reflectivity could be observed using a streak camera with a time resolution of 2.5ps. The time-resolved x-ray reflectivity displayed this distinct decrease despite the fact that the average reflectivity of the sample had fallen to approximately 50% of its original value due to accumulated damage from the prolonged laser exposure. The topography of the laser-exposed sample was mapped using an optical microscope, a stylus profilometer, photoelectron microscopy, and a scanning tunneling microscope. Although the surface of the sample is not flat following prolonged exposure at laser fluences above 15mJ∕cm2, the atomic scale structure regrows, and thus, regenerates the sample on a nanosecond...

Subpicosecond hard x-ray streak camera using single-photon counting.

We have developed and characterized a hard x-ray accumulating streak camera that achieves subpicosecond time resolution by using single-photon counting. A high repetition rate of 2 kHz was achieved by use of a readout camera with built-in image processing capabilities. The effects of sweep jitter were removed by using a UV timing reference. The use of single-photon counting allows the camera to reach a high quantum efficiency by not limiting the divergence of the photoelectrons.

Femtosecond x-ray diffraction: experiments and limits

Although the realisation of femtosecond X-ray free electron laser (FEL) X-ray pulses is still some time away, X-ray diffraction experiments within the sub-picosecond domain are already being performed using both synchrotron and laser- plasma based X-ray sources. Within this paper we summarise the current status of some of these experiments which, to date, have mainly concentrated on observing non-thermal melt and coherent phonons in laser-irradiated semiconductors. Furthermore, with the advent of FEL sources, X-ray pulse lengths may soon be sufficiently short that the finite response time of monochromators may themselves place fundamental limits on achievable temporal resolution. A brief review of time-dependent X-ray diffraction relevant to such effects is presented.

Time-resolved x-ray scattering from laser-molten indium antimonide.

We demonstrate a concept to study transient liquids with picosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering in a high-repetition-rate configuration. Femtosecond laser excitation of crystalline indium antimonide (InSb) induces ultrafast melting, which leads to a loss of the long-range order. The remaining local correlations of the liquid result in broad x-ray diffraction rings, which are measured as a function of delay time. After 2 ns the liquid structure factor shows close agreement with that of equilibrated liquid InSb. The measured decay of the liquid scattering intensity corresponds to the resolidification rate of 1 m/s in InSb.

Coherent Phonon Control

Trains of ultrashort laser pulses have been used to generate and to coherently control acoustic phonons in bulk InSb. The coherent acoustic phonons have been probed via time-resolved x-ray diffraction. The authors show that phonons of a particular frequency can either be enhanced or canceled. They have carried out simulations to understand the size of the effects and the levels of cancellation. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

A combined small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering detector for measurements on reactive systems

A detector with high dynamic range designed for combined small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering experiments has been developed. It allows measurements on single events and reactive systems, such as particle formation in flames and evaporation of levitating drops. The detector consists of 26 channels covering a region from 0.5° to 60° and it provides continuous monitoring of the sampled signal without readout dead time. The time resolution for fast single events is about 40 μs and for substances undergoing slower dynamics, the time resolution is set to 0.1 or 1 s with hours of continuous sampling. The detector has been used to measure soot particle formation in a flame, burning magnesium and evaporation of a toluene drop in a levitator. The results show that the detector can be used for many different applications with good outcomes and large potential.

Extension of the code suite Fly to a multi-cell postprocessor for hydrodynamic plasma simulation codes

Abstract The extension of the atomic kinetics code suite F LY to a multi-cell postprocessor for hydrodynamic plasma simulation codes, called S WARM is presented. First, the collisional radiative model on which F LY is based is reviewed as far as it corresponds to the model in S WARM , then more attention is paid to the differences. Multiple cell simulations require a more complicated algorithm to solve the radiative transfer problem, taking into account geometry and point of observation. The feedback of the radiation on the atomic state populations is taken into account in a more sophisticated escape factor model. Finally, the limitations of the model are discussed.

BioMAX: The Future Macromolecular Crystallography Beamline at MAX IV

This paper describes the preliminary design of the BioMAX beamline at the 3 GeV ring of the MAX IV facility, focusing on the optics and x-ray beam performance. The MAX IV facility will include two storage rings with 1.5 GeV and 3.0 GeV electron energy and a linac serving both as injector for the two rings and feeding a short pulse facility. BioMAX is one of the first seven beamlines funded at the MAX IV facility. It is a multipurpose high-throughput beamline for macromolecular crystallography. The beamline aims to be robust and simple to operate with a beam benefiting from the properties of the MAX IV 3 GeV ring. However it does not aim at the smallest beam or crystal sizes since it is foreseen that it will be complemented with a microfocus beamline aiming at a beam size of 1 mu m. The beamline experiment setup will be highly automated, both in terms of sample handling hardware and data analysis, including feedback to the data collection. The BioMAX beamline is planned to be in operation in 2016. (Less)

Picosecond x-ray studies of coherent folded acoustic phonons in a periodic semiconductor heterostructure

Zone folded coherent acoustic phonons were generated in a multilayered GaSb/InAs epitaxial heterostructure via rapid heating by femtosecond laser pulses. These phonons were probed by means of ultrafast x-ray diffraction. Phonons both from the fundamental acoustic branch and the first back-folded branch were detected. This represents the first clear evidence for phonon branch folding based directly on the atomic motion to which x-ray diffraction is sensitive. From a comparison of the measured phonon-modulated x-ray reflectivity with simulations, evidence was found for a reduction of the laser penetration depth. This reduction can be explained by the self-modulation of the absorption index due to photogenerated free carriers.