抄録
We develop a compact ultrafast electron diffractometer, consisting of a laser-driven rf photocathode that
generates 3.0 MeV probe electron pulses with 100-fs temporal widths. High-quality single-shot
transmission electron diffraction is detected under kinematic regimes using three-stage lens optics and a
high-sensitive detector. Combining theoretical modelling with single-shot diffraction measurements, we
are now capable of characterizing the dynamics of atomic structures underpinning the temporal evolution
of the Bragg peaks. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated on the example of photo-induced
melting of 10-nm thick gold films. Our results show that dynamic structure determination in laserexcited
systems is now a viable prospect using ultrafast electron diffraction.
