LBNL is developing design concepts for a multi-beamline soft x-ray FEL array powered by a superconducting linear accelerator, operating with a high bunch repetition rate of approximately one MHz. The cw superconducting linear accelerator is su pplied by an injector based on a high-brightness, high-repetition-rate photocathode electron gun. Electron bunches are distributed from the linac to the array of independently configurable FEL beamlines with nominal bunch rates up to 100 kHz in each FEL, and with even pulse spacing. Individual FELs may be configured for different modes of operation, and each may produce high peak and average brightness x-rays with a flexible pulse format, and with pulse durations ranging from sub-femtoseconds to hundreds of femtoseconds. In this paper we describe conceptual design studies and optimizations. We describe recent developments in the design and performance parameters, and progress in R&D activities.

We report on the optimization of TE Wave measurements at the Cesr-TA ring at Cornell University. The CESR storage ring is currently used as a test bed for technologies to be used in the damping rings of the International Linear Collider. The TE Wave measurement method utilizes capacitive buttons (BPMs) in the ring to excite and detect a propagating electromagnetic wave corresponding to the beampipe's fundamental TE mode. The presence of low-energy electrons along the wave path changes its propagation characteristics, which can be detected by analyzing the received signal. By choosing the machine fill pattern (gaps and bunch trains length) it is possible to modulate the density of the electron cloud and derive information on its rise and fall times by observing the detected signal spectrum. The possibility of circulating both electron and positron beams in the ring enabled us to separate the contribution of primary photoelectrons, which are independent on the circulating particle nature, from the transverse resonant mechanism, which can increase the primary electron density many times over and which only takes place with a circulating positron beam.

We describe the design concepts for a potential future source of femtosecond x-ray pulses based on synchrotron radiation production in a recirculating electron linac. Using harmonic cascade free-electron lasers (FEL's) and spontaneous emission in short-period, narrow-gap insertion devices, a broad range of photon energies are available with tunability from EUV to hard x-ray regimes. Photon pulse durations are controllable and range from 10 fs to 200 fs, with fluxes 10(7)-10(12) photons per pulse. Full spatial and temporal coherence is obtained for EUV and soft X-rays. A fiber laser master oscillator and stabilized timing distribution scheme are proposed to synchronize accelerator rf systems and multiple lasers throughout the facility, allowing timing synchronization between sample excitation and X-ray probe of approximately 20-50 fs.

The Spallation Neutron Source low level RF team includes members from Lawrence Berkeley, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge national laboratories. The team is responsible for the development, fabrication and commissioning of 98 low level RF (LLRF) control systems for maintaining RF amplitude and phase control in the front end (FE), linac and high energy beam transport (HEBT) sections of the SNS accelerator, a 1 GeV, 1.4 MW proton source. The RF structures include a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ), rebuncher cavities, and a drift tube linac (DTL), all operating at 402.5 MHz, and a coupled-cavity linac (CCL), superconducting linac (SCL), energy spreader, and energy corrector, all operating at 805 MHz. The RF power sources vary from 20 kW tetrode amplifiers to 5 MW klystrons. A single control system design that can be used throughout the accelerator is under development and will begin deployment in February 2004. This design expands on the initial control systems that are currently deployed on the RFQ, rebuncher and DTL cavities. An overview of the SNS LLRF control system is presented along with recent test results and new developments

LBNL is pursuing design studies and the scientific program for a facility dedicated to the production of x-ray pulses with ultra-short time duration, for application in dynamical studies of processes in physics, biology, and chemistry. The proposed x-ray facility has the short x-ray pulse length ({approx}60 fs FWHM) necessary to study very fast dynamics, high flux (up to approximately 10E11 photons/sec/0.1 percentBW) to study weakly scattering systems, and tuneability over 1-12 keV photon energy. The hard x-ray photon production section of the machine accommodates seven 2-m long undulators. Design studies for longer wavelength sources, using high-gain harmonic generation, are in progress. The x-ray pulse repetition rate of 10 kHz is matched to studies of dynamical processes (initiated by ultra-short laser pulses) that typically have a long recovery time or are not generally cyclic or reversible and need time to allow relaxation, replacement, or flow of the sample. The technique for producing ultra-short x-ray pulses uses relatively long electron bunches to minimize high-peak-current collective effects, and the ultimate x-ray duration is achieved by a combination of bunch manipulation and optical compression. Synchronization of x-ray pulses to sample excitation signals is expected to be of order 50 - 100 fs. Techniques for making use of the recirculating geometry to provide beam-based signals from early passes through the machine are being studied.

We describe a proposed femtosecond synchrotron radiation x-ray source based on a flat-beam RF gun and a recirculating superconducting linac that provides beam to an array of undulators and bend magnets. X-ray pulse durations of <IOOfs at a IOkHz repetition rate are obtained by a combination of electron pulse compression, transverse temporal correlation of the electrons, and x-ray pulse compression.