Megahertz-rate Ultrafast X-ray Scattering and Holographic Imaging at the European XFEL

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first megahertz-rate X-ray scattering and holographic imaging experiments at the European XFEL, showcasing enhanced data collection capabilities for time-resolved studies in various scientific fields.

Contribution

It introduces the operation of the SCS instrument at MHz repetition rates with a novel detector, enabling advanced X-ray experiments with higher data throughput.

Findings

Successful demonstration of MHz-rate X-ray scattering and imaging

Enhanced data statistics and experimental capabilities

Applicability to soft X-ray non-destructive experiments

Abstract

The advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has revolutionized fundamental science, from atomic to condensed matter physics, from chemistry to biology, giving researchers access to X-rays with unprecedented brightness, coherence, and pulse duration. All XFEL facilities built until recently provided X-ray pulses at a relatively low repetition rate, with limited data statistics. Here, we present the results from the first megahertz repetition rate X-ray scattering experiments at the Spectroscopy and Coherent Scattering (SCS) instrument of the European XFEL. We illustrate the experimental capabilities that the SCS instrument offers, resulting from the operation at MHz repetition rates and the availability of the novel DSSC 2D imaging detector. Time-resolved magnetic X-ray scattering and holographic imaging experiments in solid state samples were chosen as representative, providing an ideal test-bed for operation at megahertz rates. Our results are relevant and applicable to any other non-destructive XFEL experiments in the soft X-ray range.