Developments and enhancements to the HELIOS pump probe system

In this progress report we describe several design improvements that have been implemented at the HELIOS laboratory, as well as presenting the output characteristics that have been measured as a result. The main focus will be on the redesign of the gas cell, which has enhanced the photon flux of the XUV probe beam. Also, a frequency trippler utilizing sum frequency generation has been installed at the end of the pump line, which increases the photon flux available for both 3.1 eV (400 nm) and 4.66 eV (266 nm) applications without significant increment in the pulse width of the pump.