47 research outputs found
Phase-matched extreme-ultraviolet frequency-comb generation
Laser-driven high-order harmonic generation (HHG) provides tabletop sources
of broadband extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) light with excellent spatial and
temporal coherence. These sources are typically operated at low repetition
rates, 100 kHz, where phase-matched frequency conversion into
the XUV is readily achieved. However, there are many applications that demand
the improved counting statistics or frequency-comb precision afforded by
operation at high repetition rates, > 10 MHz. Unfortunately, at such
high , phase matching is prevented by the accumulated steady-state
plasma in the generation volume, setting stringent limitations on the XUV
average power. Here, we use gas mixtures at high temperatures as the generation
medium to increase the translational velocity of the gas, thereby reducing the
steady-state plasma in the laser focus. This allows phase-matched XUV emission
inside a femtosecond enhancement cavity at a repetition rate of 77 MHz,
enabling a record generated power of 2 mW in a single harmonic order.
This power scaling opens up many demanding applications, including XUV
frequency-comb spectroscopy of few-electron atoms and ions for precision tests
of fundamental physical laws and constants.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure
Noncollinear enhancement cavity for record-high out-coupling efficiency of an extreme-UV frequency comb
We demonstrate a femtosecond enhancement cavity with a crossed-beam geometry
for efficient generation and extraction of extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) frequency
combs at a 154 MHz repetition rate. We achieve a record-high out-coupled power
of 600 {\mu}W, directly usable for spectroscopy, at a wavelength of 97 nm. This
corresponds to a >60% out-coupling efficiency. The XUV power scaling and
generation efficiency are similar to that achieved with a single Gaussian-mode
fundamental beam inside a collinear enhancement cavity. The noncollinear
geometry also opens the door for the generation of isolated attosecond pulses
at >100 MHz repetition rate.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figure
Scientific Opportunities with an X-ray Free-Electron Laser Oscillator
An X-ray free-electron laser oscillator (XFELO) is a new type of hard X-ray
source that would produce fully coherent pulses with meV bandwidth and stable
intensity. The XFELO complements existing sources based on self-amplified
spontaneous emission (SASE) from high-gain X-ray free-electron lasers (XFEL)
that produce ultra-short pulses with broad-band chaotic spectra. This report is
based on discussions of scientific opportunities enabled by an XFELO during a
workshop held at SLAC on June 29 - July 1, 2016Comment: 21 pages, 12 figure