Laser-driven resonant soft-X-ray scattering for probing picosecond dynamics of nanometre-scale order

TL;DR

This paper introduces a laboratory-based laser-driven soft X-ray scattering technique enabling picosecond resolution to study nanometre-scale order dynamics, previously limited to large-scale facilities.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel, laboratory-scale method for time-resolved resonant soft X-ray scattering with spectroscopic contrast, expanding accessibility for ultrafast material dynamics studies.

Findings

Achieved 9 ps temporal resolution in magnetic domain studies.

Tracked reorganization of magnetic domains on pico- to nanosecond scales.

Enabled laboratory-based ultrafast X-ray scattering experiments.

Abstract

X-ray scattering has been an indispensable tool in advancing our understanding of matter, from the first evidence of the crystal lattice to recent discoveries of nuclei's fastest dynamics. In addition to the lattice, ultrafast resonant elastic scattering of soft X-rays provides a sensitive probe of charge, spin, and orbital order with unparalleled nanometre spatial and femto- to picosecond temporal resolution. However, the full potential of this technique remains largely unexploited due to its high demand on the X-ray source. Only a selected number of instruments at large-scale facilities can deliver the required short-pulsed and wavelength-tunable radiation, rendering laboratory-scale experiments elusive so far. Here, we demonstrate time-resolved X-ray scattering with spectroscopic contrast at a laboratory-based instrument using the soft-X-ray radiation emitted from a laser-driven plasma source. Specifically, we investigate the photo-induced response of magnetic domains emerging in a ferrimagnetic heterostructure with 9$\,$ps temporal resolution. The achieved sensitivity allows for tracking the reorganisation of the domain network on pico- to nanosecond time scales in great detail. This instrumental development and experimental demonstration break new ground for studying material dynamics in a wide range of laterally ordered systems in a flexible laboratory environment.