A novel compact high speed x-ray streak camera (invited)

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Instrumentation
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Conventional streak cameras face limitations below picosecond resolution.
• Electron pulse broadening due to photoelectron energy spread and space charge effects hinders time resolution.
• Generating sufficient sweep speeds for sub-picosecond measurements is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new streak camera design for sub-picosecond time resolution.
• To address the limitations of conventional in-line streak cameras.
• To enable high-speed measurements with improved time resolution.

Main Methods:

• A novel instrument employing a time-varying extraction electrostatic field at the photocathode.
• Converting time information into photoelectron (PE) energy.
• Utilizing a uniform magnetic field for PE energy measurement and one-dimensional focusing.

Main Results:

• Design calculations presented for factors limiting time resolution.
• The proposed design is expected to achieve sub-picosecond resolution.
• High dynamic range is anticipated with the new instrument.

Conclusions:

• The novel streak camera design effectively converts time to PE energy.
• This approach overcomes fundamental limitations of conventional streak cameras.
• Sub-picosecond resolution and high dynamic range are achievable, advancing high-speed measurement capabilities.