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Soft x-ray free electron laser microfocus for exploring matter under extreme conditions
A J Nelson1, S Toleikis, H Chapman
1LawrenceLivermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. nelson63@llnl.gov
Optics Express
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Researchers focused a Free-electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH) beam to a spot size of 1 micrometer. This achievement enables precise isochoric heating experiments for advanced materials research.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- High-intensity, short-pulse lasers are crucial for advanced materials research.
- Achieving small focal spots is essential for precise energy deposition and controlled experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To focus the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH) beam to a sub-micrometer spot size.
- To enable isochoric heating of various slab targets with the focused laser beam.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an off-axis parabolic mirror (OAP) with a 270 mm focal length, coated with a Mo/Si multilayer.
- Employed a picomotor-controlled six-axis gimbal for precise OAP alignment.
- Measured the focal spot size using beam imprints on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
Main Results:
- Achieved a focused spot diameter of less than or equal to 1 micrometer.
- Successfully created isochoric heating conditions in various slab targets.
- Correlated experimental observations with simulations to validate focusing performance.
Conclusions:
- The developed focusing setup provides a highly localized energy deposition capability.
- This technique is suitable for studying laser-matter interactions under extreme conditions.
- Further research can leverage this capability for advanced materials characterization and discovery.
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