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In ferromagnets, domain patterns can be controlled globally using magnetic fields or spin-polarized currents. In contrast, the local control of the magnetization on the nanometer length scale remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate how magnetic domain patterns in a Tm-doped yttrium iron garnet (Tm:YIG) thin film with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be permanently and locally imprinted by high intensity photon pulses of a hard x-ray transient grating (XTG). Micromagnetic simulations provide a qualitative understanding of the observed changes in the orientation of magnetic domains in Tm:YIG and XTG-induced changes. The presented results offer a route for the local manipulation of the magnetic state using hard XTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and parameters of the online photon single‐shot spectrometer (PSSS) at the Aramis beamline of the SwissFEL free‐electron laser are presented. The device operates between the photon energies 4 and 13 keV and uses diamond transmission gratings and bent Si crystals for spectral measurements on the first diffraction order of the beam. The device has an energy window of 0.7% of the median photon energy of the free‐electron laser pulses and a spectral resolution (full width at half‐maximum) ΔE/E on the order of 10−5. The device was characterized by comparing its performance with reference data from synchrotron sources, and a parametric study investigated other effects that could affect the reliability of the spectral information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here a direct comparison is made between various X‐ray wavefront sensing methods with application to optics alignment and focus characterization at X‐ray free‐electron lasers (XFELs). Focus optimization at XFEL beamlines presents unique challenges due to high peak powers as well as beam pointing instability, meaning that techniques capable of single‐shot measurement and that probe the wavefront at an out‐of‐focus location are desirable. The techniques chosen for the comparison include single‐phase‐grating Talbot interferometry (shearing interferometry), dual‐grating Talbot interferometry (moiré deflectometry) and speckle tracking. All three methods were implemented during a single beam time at the Linac Coherent Light Source, at the X‐ray Pump Probe beamline, in order to make a direct comparison. Each method was used to characterize the wavefront resulting from a stack of beryllium compound refractive lenses followed by a corrective phase plate. In addition, difference wavefront measurements with and without the phase plate agreed with its design to within λ/20, which enabled a direct quantitative comparison between methods. Finally, a path toward automated alignment at XFEL beamlines using a wavefront sensor to close the loop is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SwissFEL Aramis beamline, covering the photon energies between 1.77 keV and 12.7 keV, features a suite of online photon diagnostics tools to help both users and FEL operators in analysing data and optimizing experimental and beamline performance. Scientists will be able to obtain information about the flux, spectrum, position, pulse length, and arrival time jitter versus the experimental laser for every photon pulse, with further information about beam shape and size available through the use of destructive screens. This manuscript is an overview of the diagnostics tools available at SwissFEL and presents their design, working principles and capabilities. It also features new developments like the first implementation of a THz‐streaking based temporal diagnostics for a hard X‐ray FEL, capable of measuring pulse lengths to 5 fs r.m.s. or better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]