Femtosecond Synchronization of Laser Systems for the LCLS

Abstract

The scientific potential of femtosecond x-ray pulses at linac-driven FELs such as the LCLS is tremendous. Time-resolved pump-probe experiments require a measure of the relative arrival time of each x-ray pulse with respect to the experimental pump laser. In order to achieve this, precise synchronization is required between the arrival time diagnostic and the laser which are often separated by hundreds of meters. We describe an optical timing system based on stabilized fiber links which has been developed for the LCLS to provide this synchronization. Preliminary results show stability of the timing distribution at the sub-10 fsec level and overall synchronization of the x-rays and pump laser of less than 40 fsec. We present details of the implementation and LCLS and potential for future development.