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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Demonstration of Mode-Locked Frequency Comb for an X-Ray Free-Electron Laser
Wenxiang Hu1,2, Gabriel Aeppli1,2,3, Christopher Arrell1
1Paul Scherrer Institute, PSI Center for Photon Science, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
Researchers demonstrated mode-locked self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) for X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (FELs). This breakthrough generates phase-locked X-ray pulses, advancing coherent spectroscopy and ultrafast dynamics studies.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) are advanced light sources with high brightness and tunable wavelengths.
- Standard self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) in FELs yields limited longitudinal coherence, characterized by spiky power and spectral profiles.
- Achieving longitudinal coherence is crucial for advanced X-ray applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate mode-locked self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) for X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (FELs).
- To generate periodic trains of phase-locked subfemtosecond X-ray pulses.
- To enable new experimental capabilities in coherent spectroscopy and ultrafast dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a mode-coupled SASE scheme using magnetic chicanes in the undulator modules.
- Integration of an external optical laser to precisely control FEL amplification regions within the electron bunch.
- Analysis of experimental data in both frequency (photon) and time (electron) domains.
Main Results:
- Successful experimental demonstration of mode-locked SASE, producing phase-locked subfemtosecond X-ray pulses.
- Generation of periodic pulse trains, analogous to optical frequency combs.
- Evidence supporting the enhanced coherence and controlled pulse structure.
Conclusions:
- Mode-locked SASE provides a novel method for generating highly coherent X-ray pulses.
- This technique significantly enhances the longitudinal coherence of FEL radiation.
- The generated phase-correlated X-ray pulses will drive advancements in ultrafast science and coherent spectroscopy.
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