The Linac Coherent Light Source: Recent Developments and Future Plans

Abstract

Abstract:The development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has launched a new era in X-ray science by providing ultrafast coherent X-ray pulses with a peak brightness that is approximately one billion times higher than previous X-ray sources. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) facility at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the world's first hard X-ray FEL, has already demonstrated a tremendous scientific impact across broad areas of science. Here, a few of the more recent representative highlights from LCLS are presented in the areas of atomic, molecular, and optical science; chemistry; condensed matter physics; matter in extreme conditions; and biology. This paper also outlines the near term upgrade (LCLS-II) and motivating science opportunities for ultrafast X-rays in the 0.25-5 keV range at repetition rates up to 1 MHz. Future plans to extend the X-ray energy reach to beyond 13 keV (<1 Å) at high repetition rate (LCLS-II-HE) are envisioned, motivated by compelling new science of structural dynamics at the atomic scale.

Characterization of megahertz X-ray laser beams by multishot desorption imprints in PMMA

“…The model difference equation is detailed in C. [Eq. (18)]. Assuming the dose increment is small, we can express the model with an integro-differential equation [Eq.…”

“…Even though this approximate model excellently interpolates the response function, we must keep in mind that the parameters with tildes, i.e., the initial (cold) desorption efficiency rateκ D 0 , the hardening rateγ, and the maximum relative decrease of the desorption efficiency rate∆ may to some extent deviate from the original parameters κ D 0 , γ, and ∆ as defined in Eq. (18). A verification fit of the relation (2) to a test dataset generated with use of Eq.…”

“…Facilities like European XFEL [16] and its precursor Free-electron Laser in Hamburg [17] (FLASH) are capable to generate up to 27000 and 4000 pulses per second, respectively, equally distributed in short megahertz (MHz) trains. Linac Coherent Light Source II [18] (LCLS II) promises to deliver up to a million pulses per second in a quasi-continuous mode of operation. The way towards such repetition rates is paved by superconducting technology employed in the linear accelerator.…”

Multi-Pass Free Electron Laser Assisted Spectral and Imaging Applications in the Terahertz/Far-IR Range Using the Future Superconducting Electron Source BriXSinO

“…In this context, the FEL-assisted THz sources covering both bands of the spectrum will throw aside the technical difficulties faced with infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, IR/THz pump-probe experiments satisfying wide range tunability with high peak powers, high spectral and temporal resolution, polarization control and the possibility of synchronization with the X-ray pulses will allow to study complex materials on atomic and molecular time scales [172][173][174].…”

X-ray Free-Electron Laser

“…For this purpose, this issue features the reports on the current status and future plans of all eight XFEL facilities in the world. Namely, Faatz et al describe the FLASH (the Free Electron LASer in Hamburg) in Germany, focusing on the advanced options for FLASH2 and future perspectives [1]; Schoenlein et al describe the recent developments and future plans of LCLS (the Linac Coherent Light Source) in the United States [2]; and Yabashi et al describe the status and future plans of SACLA (the Spring-8 Angstrom Compact free electron Laser) in Japan [3]. Giannessi and Masciovecchio discuss the present and future challenges at FERMI (the Free Electron laser Radiation for Multidisciplinary Investigations) in Italy, focusing on the phase-coherent multicolor pulse generations as a unique feature of FERMI [4].…”