Investigation of a 2-Colour Undulator FEL Using Puffin

Initial studies of a 2-colour FEL amplifier using one monoenergetic electron beam are presented. The interaction is modelled using the unaveraged, broadband FEL code Puffin. A series of undulator modules are tuned to generate two resonant frequencies along the FEL interaction and a self-consistent 2-colour FEL interaction at widely spaced non-harmonic wavelengths at 1nm and 2.4nm is demonstrated.Comment: Submitted to The 35th International Free-Electron Laser Conference, Manhattan, New York (2013

Towards the Perfect X-ray Beam Splitter

X-ray free-electron lasers (FEL) deliver ultrabright X-ray pulses, but not the sequences of phase-coherent pulses required for time-domain interferometry and control of quantum states. For conventional split-and-delay schemes to produce such sequences the challenge stems from extreme stability requirements when splitting Angstrom wavelength beams where tiniest path length differences introduce phase jitter. We describe an FEL mode based on selective electron bunch degradation and transverse beam shaping in the accelerator, combined with a self-seeded photon emission scheme. Instead of splitting the photon pulses after their generation by the FEL, we split the electron bunch in the accelerator, prior to photon generation, to obtain phase-locked X-ray pulses with sub-femtosecond duration. Time-domain interferometry becomes possible, enabling the concomitant program of classical and quantum optics experiments with X-rays. The scheme leads to new scientific benefits of cutting-edge FELs with attosecond and/or high-repetition rate capabilities, ranging from the X-ray analog of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to damage-free measurements

Design considerations for table-top, laser-based VUV and X-ray free electron lasers

A recent breakthrough in laser-plasma accelerators, based upon ultrashort high-intensity lasers, demonstrated the generation of quasi-monoenergetic GeV-electrons. With future Petawatt lasers ultra-high beam currents of ~100 kA in ~10 fs can be expected, allowing for drastic reduction in the undulator length of free-electron-lasers (FELs). We present a discussion of the key aspects of a table-top FEL design, including energy loss and chirps induced by space-charge and wakefields. These effects become important for an optimized table-top FEL operation. A first proof-of-principle VUV case is considered as well as a table-top X-ray-FEL which may open a brilliant light source also for new ways in clinical diagnostics.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures; accepted for publication in Appl. Phys.

Reflections on the Evolution of Smart Polymers

© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim Since Staudinger\u27s recognition that polymers were long chain molecules with covalent bonds between repeating units, the field has evolved tremendously. In addition to their many structural roles, polymers have been developed to exhibit “smart” stimuli-responsive behavior. This article will describe the evolution of selected classes of smart polymers including those responsive to changes in pH, temperature, light, and mechanical stimuli, as well as self-immolative polymers and their application in drug delivery, sensors, and actuators. It will also highlight key advancements in polymer chemistry that enabled rapid progress over the past ∼20 years. Whether the key achievements were predictable will be discussed, and the extent to which polymer science remains an independent science versus a service tool will be addressed. Finally, some possibilities for the evolution of the field over the next 20–30 years will be described

INVESTIGATION OF A 2-COLOUR UNDULATOR FEL USING PUFFIN

Abstract Initial studies of a 2-colour FEL amplifier using one monoenergetic electron beam are presented. The interaction is modelled using the unaveraged, broadband FEL code Puffin. A series of undulator modules are tuned to generate two resonant frequencies along the FEL interaction and a self-consistent 2-colour FEL interaction at widely spaced non-harmonic wavelengths at 1nm and 2.4nm is demonstrated

Readout for intersatellite laser interferometry: Measuring low frequency phase fluctuations of HF signals with microradian precision

Precision phase readout of optical beat note signals is one of the core techniques required for intersatellite laser interferometry. Future space based gravitational wave detectors like eLISA require such a readout over a wide range of MHz frequencies, due to orbit induced Doppler shifts, with a precision in the order of $\mu \textrm{rad}/\sqrt{\textrm{Hz}}$ at frequencies between $0.1\,\textrm{mHz}$ and $1\,\textrm{Hz}$. In this paper, we present phase readout systems, so-called phasemeters, that are able to achieve such precisions and we discuss various means that have been employed to reduce noise in the analogue circuit domain and during digitisation. We also discuss the influence of some non-linear noise sources in the analogue domain of such phasemeters. And finally, we present the performance that was achieved during testing of the elegant breadboard model of the LISA phasemeter, that was developed in the scope of an ESA technology development activity.Comment: submitted to Review of Scientific Instruments on April 30th 201

EMIL The energy materials in situ laboratory Berlin a novel characterization facility for photovoltaic and energy materials

A knowledge based approach towards developing a new generation of solar energy conversion devices requires a fast and direct feedback between sophisticated analytics and state of the art processing test facilities for all relevant material classes. A promising approach is the coupling of synchrotron based X ray characterization techniques, providing the unique possibility to map the electronic and chemical structure of thin layers and interface regions with relevant in system in situ sample preparation or in operando analysis capabilities in one dedicated laboratory. EMIL, the Energy Materials In situ Laboratory Berlin, is a unique facility at the BESSY II synchrotron light source. EMIL will be dedicated to the in system, in situ, and in operando X ray analysis of materials and devices for energy conversion and energy storage technologies including photovoltaic applications and photo electrochemical processes. EMIL comprises up to five experimental end stations, three of them can access X rays in an energy range of 80 eV 10 keV. For example, one key setup of EMIL combines a suite of advanced spectroscopic characterization tools with industry relevant deposition facilities in one integrated ultra high vacuum system. These deposition tools allow the growth of PV devices based on silicon, compound semiconductors, hybrid heterojunctions, and organo metal halide perovskites on up to 6 sized substrates. EMIL will serve as a research platform for national and international collaboration in the field of photovoltaic photocatalytic energy conversion and beyond. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the analytic and material capabilities at EMIL