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Characterization of a two-color pump-probe setup at FLASH using a velocity map imaging spectrometer
1Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter-Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Science Park 104, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands. per.johnsson@fysik.lth.se
Optics Letters
|December 18, 2010
Summary
We developed a new detector for charged particle imaging in pump-probe experiments. This allows precise alignment of extreme UV free electron laser (FEL) and IR pulses, even when overlap is hard to see.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Particle Detectors
Background:
- Two-color pump-probe experiments require precise alignment of multiple laser pulses.
- Free electron lasers (FELs) produce intense ultrashort pulses for advanced experiments.
- Current alignment methods can be challenging when the interaction region is not directly observable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a high-count-rate charged particle imaging detector for FEL experiments.
- To develop a novel procedure for aligning extreme UV (XUV) FEL pulses and infrared (IR) pulses.
- To enable complete setup alignment in challenging experimental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a charged particle imaging detector with high count rate capabilities.
- Development of a procedure to determine spatial and temporal overlap between XUV FEL and IR pulses.
- Utilizing the detector's output to guide the alignment process.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of the charged particle imaging detector at the Free Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH).
- Demonstration of a reliable procedure for achieving spatial and temporal overlap between XUV FEL and IR pulses.
- Effective alignment of the experimental setup in previously inaccessible scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The developed detector and alignment procedure significantly enhance the feasibility of two-color pump-probe experiments at FEL facilities.
- This method provides a robust solution for aligning complex optical setups involving XUV and IR pulses.
- The technique is crucial for advancing research in ultrafast science using FELs.
