Rapidly Switchable X-ray Angular Momentum from a Free Electron Laser Oscillator

Abstract

X-ray vortices carrying tunable Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) are an emerging tool for X-ray characterization technology. However, in contrast to the generation of vortex beams in the visible wavelength region, the generation of X-ray vortices in a controlled manner has proved challenging. Here, we overcome this challenge using an X-ray free-electron laser oscillator (XFELO), which can produce intense coherent X-rays with switchable OAM. Using the pinhole mirror in an XFELO, this scheme adjusts only the kinetic energy of the electron beam to produce vortex beams that can be programmed to dynamically change between different OAM modes without the need for additional optical elements. With the nominal parameters of currently constructing 1 MHz repetition rate facility (i.e. SHINE), the active formation of the OAM modes of l = ${\pm}$1 and l = ${\pm}$2 and the rapid switching between them by detuning the electron beam energy of the XFELO are numerically illustrated. The real-time switching can be achieved within 200 ${\mu}$s, while the output pulse energy can reach the 100 ${\mu}$J level.