Title: How X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) Work and the MaRIE XFEL

Abstract:
Fourth-generation light sources use X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) to produce extraordinary bright and coherent X-rays, with peak brightnesses about 10 orders of magnitude greater than what is available at third generation light sources. These $B-class tools enable new science in biology, chemistry, and materials science, and experimental time on them is in high demand. There are three operating fourth generation light source facilities worldwide, with more in the construction and design phase, including a 42-keV XFEL for LANL's MaRIE project. This talk will cover the basics of XFEL theory and operation and will provide a review of existing and planned XFELs. Specific design challenges for the MaRIE XFEL will also be discussed.