High average power OPCPA MIR-systems for coherent soft x-ray generation accessing inner-shell absorption edges of metals

Two OPCPA-systems at central wavelengths of 2.1 μm (in operation) and 3.1 μµm (under construction) provide pulses with a temporal duration of 4 cycles at a pulse repetition rate of 10 kHz and an average power of about 30 W. Both systems feature a single pump laser design with a powerful thin disk Yb:YAG pumplaser. Concept, simulation and beam emission characteristics are discussed. Flux levels in high harmonic generation of ~109 photons/eV/s @ 150 eV, ~107 photons/eV/s @ 350 eV and ~106 photons/eV/s @ 450 eV have been determined with absolutely calibrated measurement tools. An IR-pump - soft X-ray scattering probe experiment at the Gd N-edge (150 eV) employing the transversal magnetic optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) investigates dynamics of optical magnetic switching and serves as a benchmark for future studies.