Researchers at the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) have recently developed key components and testing facilities for the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (EXFEL), the undulator prototype U48,

the high precision undulator magnetic field measurement system

the high precision undulator magnetic field measurement system and the constant temperature and humidity laboratory.

EXFEL U48 is the first undulator prototype dedicated to EXFEL and the first super long high-precision undulator developed in China. After witnessing the on-site test on January, 12th, the expert panel concluded that the properties of the magnetic materials, the mechanical structure and the final magnetic field reached the designed specifications.

In order to test the performance of the undulator prototype U48, IHEP has developed high precision undulator magnetic field measurement system and constant temperature and humidity laboratory. The measurement system is of the longest magnetic scanning range and the maximum adjustable dimensionalities in China, advanced technologies of air bearing stage coupled with linear motor have been adopted.

the undulator prototype U48

During the review meeting held on January 11th, experts announced that the mechanical properties of the magnetic measurement system were superior to the designed specifications, the performance of the constant temperature and humidity laboratory reached the designed requirements, the magnetic measurement precision and the repeatability precision matched the physical requirements for the test of the high precision EXFEL undulators.

 Through the R&D efforts, the physical principles and key technologies in the development of high performance undulators for EXFEL have been mastered, which would surely improve China’s research capability in this field and would lay a solid basis for the construction of our country’s own advanced light source and X-Ray free electron laser facility in the future