Ultrafast quantum dynamics driven by the strong space-charge field of a relativistic electron beam

In this paper, we illustrate how the Coulomb field of a highly relativistic electron beam can be shaped into a broadband pulse suitable for driving ultrafast and strong-field physics. In contrast to a solid-state laser, the Coulomb field creates a pulse that can be intrinsically synchronized with an x-ray free electron laser (XFEL), can have a cutoff frequency broadly tunable from THz to extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and that acts on target systems as a half-cycle impulse. Explicit examples are presented to emphasize how the unique features of this excitation can be a tool for novel science at XFEL facilities such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). (c) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access

Automated summary

In this paper, we demonstrate the usage of the Coulomb field of a highly relativistic electron beam as a broadband pulse for driving ultrafast and strong-field physics. Unlike a solid-state laser, this pulse can be synchronized with an x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and has a tunable cutoff frequency from THz to extreme ultraviolet (EUV). The excitations generated by this pulse act on target systems as half-cycle impulses, providing unique features for novel science at XFEL facilities such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).