Abstract
Presented in this thesis is the Time Resolved Emission Detector (TRED), which achieves electron timing detection sensitivity on the order of 1.8 ps using a simple time to energy conversion process in combination with a photoelectron spectrometer and a third generation synchrotron.
Modern fourth generation light sources, Free Electron Lasers, have been designed and demonstrated elsewhere to provide extremely intense photon pulses with pulse durations on the order of picoseconds and shorter. These characteristics have not previously been available in the XUV and Soft X-Ray photon energy range. Next generation detectors which can harness the characteristics of Free Electron Lasers are required since detector technology has not kept pace with light source improvements. Timing resolution with a photoelectron spectrometer with high energy resolution capabilities is still on the order of a few nanoseconds. The TRED system is a candidate for a next generation ultra-fast electron detector.
The progression from conceptualisation of TRED and theoretical modelling through to development and implementation with the construction and testing of five geometrically distinct prototypes is described. These prototypes were explored using synchrotron light generated at Sincrotrone Trieste in Italy using XUV and Soft X-Ray photons.
A range of experiments were performed, including the measurement of the spatial and temporal widths of the photon beam. These experiments involved the detection of atomic photoionization in Helium and the measurement of complicated photoionization spectra of molecular Oxygen. The results show that the detector performs the time to energy conversion consistent with the theoretical models, in a predictable and repeatable manner. These findings provide confidence that the Time Resolved Emission Detector will be able to harness the full benefits of the Free Electron Laser, including the possibility of detection of time dependent atomic or molecular state decay.
Modern fourth generation light sources, Free Electron Lasers, have been designed and demonstrated elsewhere to provide extremely intense photon pulses with pulse durations on the order of picoseconds and shorter. These characteristics have not previously been available in the XUV and Soft X-Ray photon energy range. Next generation detectors which can harness the characteristics of Free Electron Lasers are required since detector technology has not kept pace with light source improvements. Timing resolution with a photoelectron spectrometer with high energy resolution capabilities is still on the order of a few nanoseconds. The TRED system is a candidate for a next generation ultra-fast electron detector.
The progression from conceptualisation of TRED and theoretical modelling through to development and implementation with the construction and testing of five geometrically distinct prototypes is described. These prototypes were explored using synchrotron light generated at Sincrotrone Trieste in Italy using XUV and Soft X-Ray photons.
A range of experiments were performed, including the measurement of the spatial and temporal widths of the photon beam. These experiments involved the detection of atomic photoionization in Helium and the measurement of complicated photoionization spectra of molecular Oxygen. The results show that the detector performs the time to energy conversion consistent with the theoretical models, in a predictable and repeatable manner. These findings provide confidence that the Time Resolved Emission Detector will be able to harness the full benefits of the Free Electron Laser, including the possibility of detection of time dependent atomic or molecular state decay.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 2011 |