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

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how the Coulomb field of a relativistic electron beam can be shaped into a broadband, tunable pulse for ultrafast physics, offering a new tool for experiments at XFEL facilities.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate broadband, tunable ultrafast pulses from relativistic electron beams, enabling new experimental possibilities in strong-field physics.

Findings

Coulomb field can be shaped into broadband pulses from THz to EUV.

The pulses act as half-cycle impulses for target systems.

Potential for novel science at XFEL facilities like LCLS.

Abstract

In this article, 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 which can be intrinsically synchronized with an x-ray free electron laser (XFEL), can have a cutoff frequency which is broadly tunable from THz to EUV, and which 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 like the LCLS.