The SwissFEL soft X-ray free-electron laser beamline: Athos

Area of Science:

• * Physics
• * Materials Science
• * Chemistry

Background:

• * The SwissFEL facility is introducing the Athos beamline for soft X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) research.
• * Existing FEL technologies require advancements for versatile applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To detail the design and capabilities of the Athos soft X-ray FEL beamline.
• * To highlight the novel technologies and configurations enabling unique FEL pulse characteristics.
• * To outline the planned experimental stations and their research focus.

Main Methods:

• * Novel design integrating alternating magnetic chicanes and short undulator segments.
• * Utilization of APPLE X undulator architecture for flexible polarization control.
• * Inclusion of space for future upgrades like modulators and external seeding lasers.
• * Design of an optical transport line to accommodate a wide range of beam parameters.

Main Results:

• * The Athos beamline supports multiple operational modes, producing FEL beams with tunable characteristics.
• * Achievable pulse properties include attosecond durations and high-power outputs.
• * Two experimental stations are being established, focusing on condensed matter/quantum materials and atomic/molecular/optical physics/chemical sciences/ultrafast imaging.

Conclusions:

• * The Athos beamline represents a significant advancement in soft X-ray FEL capabilities.
• * Its flexible design and state-of-the-art technologies will enable cutting-edge research across multiple scientific disciplines.
• * The facility is poised to provide unique soft X-ray pulses for optimal exploitation in its experimental stations.