Generally, X-ray FEL beams can be used either as a pump or as a probe. Various X-ray techniques shall be provided at the HED instrument: X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray absorption (XAS), inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS), X-ray self-emission (XES), and X-ray imaging (XI).
Key research projects
Solid-matter properties following extreme excitation
The aim here is to elucidate ultrafast dynamics of optical laser–excited non-equilibrium system using the XFEL probe at sub-picosecond temporal resolution. Possible examples for such studies are investigations of ultrafast phase transitions, like solid–solid transitions, melting, or ablation.
Further reading:
Zastrau et al., "How X-ray Free Electron Lasers Enable Ultrafast Dynamics Studies in High-Energy-Density Science"
Nakatsutsumi et al., "Femtosecond laser-generated high-energy-density states studied by x-ray FELs"
Solid matter in states of extreme pressure and density
Our aim here is to achieve high pressure and temperature regime exceeding what can be achieved using static compression techniques (e.g., diamond anvil cells, DACs). For this purpose users can use a >100-J-class high-energy long pulse optical laser and also dynamic DACs and pulsed laser-heated double stage DACs). Temporal pulse shaping capability of the optical laser allows quasi-isentropic compression of material, to reach off-Hugoniot high pressure states which are seen in planetary interiors.
Cerantola et al., "New frontiers in extreme conditions science at synchrotrons and free electron lasers"