European X-ray Free-Electron Laser

Abstract

Abstract The review is devoted to the launching of the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL). The history of development and operation principles of classical lasers and X-ray free-electron lasers of long and short-wavelength ranges are briefly described. Particular attention is paid to the participation of Russia in the XFEL project and to the description of the research stations and scientific instruments; their experimental possibilities and the results of the first experiments on the new megafacility are discussed. Prospects of the urgent scientific studies initiated by the creation of one of the most ambitious scientific projects—European X-ray free-electron laser (the brightest light source in the world)—are also considered.