arXiv subjects

S. Düsterer

Publications and source records attributed to S. Düsterer.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

All-Optical Single-Shot Temporal Characterization of SASE FEL Pulses Using Double-Blind Holography

X-ray Free-electron lasers (XFELs) deliver ultrashort and ultrabright radiation in a photon-energy range spanning from extreme ultraviolet to hard X-rays. Supporting pulse durations down to hundreds of attoseconds, these sources are unique in enabling imaging of matter with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. However, schemes that produce such ultrashort pulses typically rely on Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE), a stochastic process that introduces significant temporal and spectral jitter, therefore requiring single-shot characterization methods for post sorting the acquired data. Although various methods have been developed for pulse characterization and delay tagging, they often come with experimental and computational complexity. Moreover, no existing method currently combines both single-shot pulse reconstruction and delay tagging at the attosecond time scale. To close this gap, we present a single-shot all-optical method based on Double-Blind Holography (DBH). By recording the spectral interference between an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) FEL source and a high-harmonic generation (HHG)-based source, we achieve simultaneous waveform reconstruction and delay tagging of sub-10 fs FEL pulses with attosecond precision.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

In-situ observation of the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures with extreme spatial and temporal resolution

Irradiation of solid surfaces with intense ultrashort laser pulses represents a unique way of depositing energy into materials. It allows to realize states of extreme electronic excitation and/or very high temperature and pressure, and to drive materials close to and beyond fundamental stability limits. As a consequence, structural changes and phase transitions often occur along unusual pathways and under strongly non-equilibrium conditions. Due to the inherent multiscale nature - both temporally and spatially - of these irreversible processes their direct experimental observation requires techniques that combine high temporal resolution with the appropriate spatial resolution and the capability to obtain good quality data on a single pulse/event basis. In this respect fourth generation light sources, namely short wavelength, short pulse free electron lasers (FELs) are offering new and fascinating possibilities. As an example, this chapter will discuss the results of scattering experiments carried at the FLASH free electron laser at DESY (Hamburg, Germany), which allowed us to resolve laser-induced structure formation at surfaces on the nanometer to sub-micron length scale and in temporal regimes ranging from picoseconds to several nanoseconds with sub-picosecond resolution.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Watching the acetylene vinylidene intramolecular reaction in real time

It is a long-standing dream of scientists to capture the ultra-fast dynamics of molecular or chemical reactions in real time and to make a molecular movie. With free-electron lasers delivering extreme ultraviolet (XUV) light at unprecedented intensities, in combination with pump-probe schemes, it is now possible to visualize structural changes on the femtosecond time scale in photo-excited molecules. In hydrocarbons the absorption of a single photon may trigger the migration of a hydrogen atom within the molecule. Here, such a reaction was filmed in acetylene molecules (C2H2) showing a partial migration of one of the protons along the carbon backbone which is consistent with dynamics calculations on ab initio potential energy surfaces. Our approach opens attractive perspectives and potential applications for a large variety of XUV-induced ultra-fast phenomena in molecules relevant to physics, chemistry, and biology.

physics.atm-clus↗