Photogun Module
Ultrafast electron techniques for crystallography
The Photogun Module generates the electron pulses that make ultrafast measurements possible. A flash of laser light releases electrons from a metal surface; the module accelerates and shapes them into a beam bright enough for single-shot imaging, short enough to freeze atomic motion.
The Photogun Module generates ultrafast electron bunches at 100 keV through photoemission from a copper cathode, enabling single-shot diffraction patterns. A femtosecond UV laser pulse hits the cathode surface; electrons are extracted and accelerated across a 12 MV/m field gradient in a one centimeter gap. A magnetic lens stack - collimation, focusing, steering - shapes the beam immediately after acceleration.
The result: ultrashort electron pulses with 30 nm rad emittance, which can be compressed down to sub 100 fs pulse duration in a footprint and that fits a standard research lab.
The module ships complete: DC acceleration chamber with 100 kV power supply is included, together with a copper
photocathode with laser incoupler, full magnetic lens stack, and vacuum housing. It connects directly to Compression
and Deflection Modules or integrates into existing beamlines. External femtosecond laser required.
Specifications:
- Single-shot high-quality diffraction images
- Beam energy: up to 100 keV
- Gradient: 12 MV/m
- Pulse duration: sub-100 fs (after compression)
Photogun Module
Doctor X makes research instruments that give scientists control over time, energy, and measurement at a precision that wasn’t accessible before.
Doctor X works alongside research institutes, universities, and industry partners worldwide. These collaborations with engineers, scientists, and inventors matter, as they share a commitment to making instruments that unlock new research. These are our peers.
Together, we continue to move beyond science dreams.
X LAB is where Doctor X develops the next generation of ultrafast electron techniques. This is the heart of the company - where ideas become instruments.
Research here pushes beyond current products. Rotating mode cavities for faster pulse repetition. Pulse shaping for application-specific beam profiles. X-ray generation through the Smartlight project. Each direction opens new capabilities for researchers who need them.
The work happens the same way it always has at Doctor X: making, testing, refining, and sometimes discarding. Not every idea becomes a product. The ones that do will extend what ultrafast electron techniques can unlock - and what researchers can discover.
