Megahertz-rate ultrafast X-ray scattering and holographic imaging at the European XFEL

The advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has revolutionized fundamental science, from atomic to condensed matter physics, from chemistry to biology, giving researchers access to X-rays with unprecedented brightness, coherence and pulse duration. All XFEL facilities built until recently provided X-ray pulses at a relatively low repetition rate, with limited data statistics. Here, results from the first megahertz-repetition-rate X-ray scattering experiments at the Spectroscopy and Coherent Scattering (SCS) instrument of the European XFEL are presented. The experimental capabilities that the SCS instrument offers, resulting from the operation at megahertz repetition rates and the availability of the novel DSSC 2D imaging detector, are illustrated. Time-resolved magnetic X-ray scattering and holographic imaging experiments in solid state samples were chosen as representative, providing an ideal test-bed for operation at megahertz rates. Our results are relevant and applicable to any other non-destructive XFEL experiments in the soft X-ray range

M10.6.1: Design and manufacturing of the carrier board prototypes.

In the ATCA based LLRF system the input signals will be processed by AMC plug-in modules hosted by carrier board providing communication for the system components and supporting signal processing by embedded FPGAs and DSPs. The carrier board providing all the functions required by AMC modules and additionally distributing LLRF signals and supporting signal processing must be developed, manufactured and characterized

M10.6.2: Design and manufacturing of the AMC modules with fast analogue and digital IO (at least 100 Ms/s, 14 b)

In the uTCA based LLRF system the input signals will be processed by AMC plug-in modules hosted by uTCA crate providing communication for the system components and supporting signal processing by the controller board equipped with FPGAs and DSPs. The AMC plug-in modules with ADCs and some other IO interfaces must be developed, manufactured and characterized

xTCA for Instrumentation

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Diagnostics for the Low Level RF Control for the European XFEL

One of the most important aims of the diagnostic system is to provide high reliability. This article describes the concept and the proposal for diagnostic system for Low Level Radio Frequency system for EU-XFEL. It enables immediate location of faults and understanding of their causes, tests the functionality of LLRF system, tests each the electronic board and connections. Diagnostic system tests different system components and compares results from these tests with e.g. from power supplies monitors. Hardware, software and database aspect of diagnostic system is presented. The main part of this paper is devoted to hardware and software specification

RTM RF Backplane for MicroTCA.4 Crates

We developed a new Rear Transition Module (RTM) Backplane for MicroTCA.4 crates that is compliant with the PICMG standard and an optional crate extension. The RTM Backplane provides multiple links for high-precision clock and RF signals to analog RTM cards. Usage of an RTM Backplane allows to significantly simplify the cable management, and therefore to increase the reliability of electronic controls when multiple analog RF front-ends are required. In addition, the RTM backplane allows also to add so called extended RTMs (eRTM) and RTM Power Modules (RTM-PM) to an 12 slot MicroTCA crate. Up to four 6 HE wide eRTMs and two RTM-PMs can be installed behind the front PM and MCH modules. An eRTM attached to the MCH via Zone 3 connector is used for analog signal management on the RTM backplane. This eRTM allows also installing a powerful CPU to extend the processing capacity of the MTCA.4 crate. Three additional eRTMs provide space for analog electronics for supplying signals to the uRTMs. The RTM-PMs deliver managed low-noise (separated from front crate PMs) analog bipolar power (+VV,-VV) for the RTMs and an unipolar power for the eRTMs. This extends functionality of the MicroTCA.4 crate and offers unique performance improvement for analog front-end electronics. This paper covers a new concept of the RTM Backplane, a new implementation for the real-time LLRF control system and performance evaluation of designed prototype