Ultrafast Time-Resolved Electron Diffraction based on Photocathode RF Gun Generating MeV Electron Pulses

Abstract

A compact electron diffractometer with a laser-driven photocathode gun generates probe electron pulses with 3 MeV in energy, temporal width less than 100 fs, and more than 1×10⁷ electrons per pulse. A single-shot transmission electron diffraction from Si single crystals has been detected with high quality and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Energy spread and emittance characteristics of the diffractometer have been evaluated. The ultimate characteristics provides sound basis for future construction of time-resolved electron microscopes with fs-temporal resolution.