Ultrafast time-resolved electron diffraction with megavolt electron beams

Abstract

A rf photocathode electron gun is used as an electron source for ultrafast time-resolved pump-probe electron diffraction. The authors observed single-shot diffraction patterns from a 160nm Al foil using the 5.4MeV electron beam from the Gun Test Facility at the Stanford Linear Accelerator. Excellent agreement with simulations suggests that single-shot diffraction experiments with a time resolution approaching 100fs are possible.