Laboratory for Non-linear Optics (LNO)
We develop and operate state-of-the-art laser systems for driving the high brightness electron source of the Hard X-ray Swiss Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL), and for pump-probe experiments at the photon-science beamlines. We improve and extend these systems according to the user requirements.
We pursue in-house research activities at the Hard X-ray Swiss Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL) and Swiss Light Source (SLS) beamlines exploiting LNO’s laser facilities. We perform R&D on laser-driven electron sources in close collaboration with PSI’s accelerator division.
Latest Scientific Highlights and News
Scientific Highlights
Long-lived pionic helium: Exotic matter experimentally verified for the first time
Exotic atoms, in which electrons are replaced by other particles, allow deep insights into the quantum world. After eight years, an international group of scientists have succeeded in a challenging experiment conducted at PSI’s pion source: they created an artificial atom called “pionic helium”.
Tailored electron bunch for SwissFEL
In order to achieve high-brillance and ultra-short FEL pulses, a flat current profile of the electron bunch is required. We achieve this by temporal shaping of the photo-cathode laser. From a femtosecond Gaussian pulse, we produce a picosecond long, flat-top laser pulse. At low charge, the photo-cathode laser pulse temporal profile is directly transferred into the electron bunch temporal profile.
New mid-IR pump source for SwissFEL with CEP capabilities installed
LNO has just installed a new CEP-capable mid-IR source for SiwssFEL experiments. The new source will enable a new class of experiments focused on understanding the unique properties of nonequilibrium driven states.