WavePropaGator: interactive framework for X-ray free-electron laser optics design and simulations

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Computational Science
• Optics

Background:

• Advanced X-ray sources like free-electron lasers (FELs) and synchrotrons require sophisticated tools for beamline design and experimental planning.
• Accurate simulation of X-ray wavefront propagation is crucial for optimizing experimental conditions and understanding beamline performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the WavePropaGator (WPG) software package, an interactive framework for simulating coherent and partially coherent X-ray wavefront propagation.
• To provide beamline scientists and user groups with a tool for designing, optimizing, and improving X-ray optics for FEL facilities and synchrotron sources.

Main Methods:

• The WPG package utilizes the Synchrotron Radiation Workshop (SRW) C/C++ library and its Python binding for numerical simulations.
• The framework supports interactive visualization of results, varying source parameters, and optics layouts.
• Features include wavefront history tracking and batch propagation mode for workflow processing.

Main Results:

• The WPG package offers a reliable and versatile solution for X-ray optics simulation across various platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS).
• Demonstrated applications include modeling of full X-ray FEL beamlines and start-to-end simulations of experiments.
• The software is distributed under an open-source license, promoting accessibility and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The WavePropaGator (WPG) package is a valuable open-source tool for advancing X-ray science at FELs and synchrotrons.
• Its interactive features and simulation capabilities facilitate the development and optimization of X-ray optics and experimental setups.