LOA Seminar: Olivier UTEZA (Aix-Marseille Université)

High repetition rate sub-picosecond x-ray platform for material analysis and engineering

Ultrashort laser platforms equipped with in-operando diagnostics are pivotal for pushing the frontiers of modern laser-based engineering. In line with this purpose, we drive the development of LP3-ASUR platform to combine moderate (~10^13 W/cm²) and high-intensity laser beamlines (~10^18 – 10^19 W/cm²) for calibrating pump-probe arrangement with modular (optical/x-ray) time-resolved diagnostics. We demonstrate high-repetition rate (100 Hz) high brilliance x-ray sources induced by laser-plasma interaction and synchronized with optical pump and probe laser pulses to address the most demanding scientific cases, as those requiring a high signal-on-noise ratio and low accumulation strategy. This includes the study of biological living materials or complex low-diffracting materials. This strategy encompasses important efforts of research and development involving the pilot laser, the x-ray targetry and the formatting of x-ray source characteristics under various operation conditions. Examples of application to material imaging and to material science measurements are given to illustrate the platform capability and to define it as a unique tool for nurturing fundamental knowledge in laser – material interaction and for innovative laser-driven engineering of materials and devices.