X-ray Free Electron Lasers
X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) are advanced light sources that produce extremely bright and short pulses of X-ray radiation. They work by accelerating electrons to nearly the speed of light and then passing them through a magnetic structure called a undulator. This process causes the electrons to emit X-rays, which can be used for various scientific applications, including imaging and studying materials at the atomic level.
XFELs offer several advantages over traditional X-ray sources, such as higher intensity and shorter pulse durations. This allows researchers to capture fast processes and dynamic changes in matter, making XFELs valuable tools in fields like materials science, biology, and chemistry.