Attosecond polarization modulation of x-ray radiation in a free-electron laser

Morgan, J. and McNeil, B. W. J. (2021) Attosecond polarization modulation of x-ray radiation in a free-electron laser. Physical Review Special Topics: Accelerators and Beams, 24. 010701. ISSN 1098-4402 (https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevAccelBeams.24.01070...)

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Abstract

A new method to generate short wavelength free-electron laser output with modulated polarization at attosecond timescales is presented. Simulations demonstrate polarization switching timescales that are four orders of magnitude faster than the current state of the art and, at x-ray wavelengths, approaching the atomic unit of time of approximately 24 attoseconds. Such polarization control has significant potential in the study of ultrafast atomic and molecular processes. The output alternates between either orthogonal linear or circularly polarized light without the need for any polarizing optical elements. This facilitates operation at the high brightness x-ray wavelengths associated with FELs. As the method uses an afterburner configuration it would be relatively easy to install at existing FEL facilities, greatly expanding their research capability.

ORCID iDs

Morgan, J. and McNeil, B. W. J. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7267-611X;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:75087
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    14 January 2021
    Published
    7 January 2021
    Accepted
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:21 Jan 2021 12:37
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 12:57
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/75087
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