Convergence of the algorithm discussed in section 2

Figure 3. Convergence of the algorithm discussed in section 2. The modulus of g⁽¹⁾(t, t') is plotted as a function of t − t'. Averaging over a large number of pulses (trajectories), |g⁽¹⁾(t, t')| converges to equation (12) (grey thick line). Other parameters: τ = 10 fs, σ_ω = 0.25 rad fs⁻¹.

Abstract

Motivated by recent experiments pertaining to the interaction of weak SASE-free-electron-laser (FEL) pulses with atoms and molecules, we investigate the conditions under which such interactions can be described in the framework of a simple phase-diffusion model with decorrelated atom–field dynamics. The nature of the fluctuations that are inevitably present in SASE-FEL pulses is shown to play a pivotal role in the success of the decorrelation. Our analysis is performed in connection with specific recent experimental results from FLASH in the soft x-ray regime.