High-repetition rate femtosecond pump-probe setup

In time-resolved X-ray analysis based on the pump-probe scheme, an increase in the repetition rate is crucial for improving efficiency. At the same time, it is crucial to maintain or improve pulse to pulse stability. Recently a Swiss research team developed a fast multichannel detection system for pump-probe spectroscopy, capable of detecting single shot super-continuum spectra at the repetition rate (10-50 kHz) of an amplified femtosecond laser system. The setup is not for synchrotron X-rays, but many points discussed in the report will be useful. For more information, see the papers, "Femtosecond pump/supercontinuum-probe setup with 20 kHz repetition rate", G. Aubock et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum., 83, 093105 (2012).