The first laser light recorded by the European XFEL recorded by an x-ray detector in the underground tunnels of the facility. Source: European XFELThe biggest X-ray laser in the world, the European XFEL, has generated its first X-ray laser light since opening in September of last year.

The European XFEL facility is more than two miles long, most of which is located in underground tunnels, and the x-ray light generated a wavelength of 0.8 nanometers, which the group says is about 500 times shorter than that of visible light. The laser has a repetition rate of one pulse per second, which will later increase to 27,000 pulses per second.

“We can now begin to direct the X-ray flashes with special mirrors through the last tunnel section into the experiment hall, and then step by step start the commissioning of the experiment stations,” said Prof. Robert Feidenhans, managing director of European XFEL. “I very much look forward to the start of international user operation, which is planned for September.”

The X-ray laser light is intense and a billion times brighter than that of conventional synchrotron light sources, European XFEL says. The X-ray laser can be used to make pictures and films of the nanocosmos at atomic resolution — such as biomolecules from which a better understanding of the basis of illnesses or for the development of new therapies. Other uses for the X-ray laser might include research into chemical processes and catalytic techniques with the goal being to improve the efficiency or making them more environmentally friendly.

How It Works

The X-ray laser light was generated from an electron beam from a superconducting linear accelerator, the key component to the laser.

In a 1.3 mile accelerator tunnel, the electron pulses are accelerated and prepared for light and at near-light speed the pulse enters a photon tunnel of X-ray generating devices. Then 17,290 permanent magnets with alternating poles interact with the electron pulses from above and below. The magnetic structures bring the electrons into a slalom course where they release short wavelengths of X-ray radiation, which intensifies across the length of the magnetic structures. The X-ray light is then absorbed and measured shortly before entering the underground experiment hall.

The European XFEL facility will allow scientist to investigate more limited samples and perform experiments more quickly. The group plans to increase the beamtime available to accommodate demand for the laser. Beginning in September, the X-ray laser will official open and external users will be able to perform experiments.