ReLaX: the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields high-intensity short-pulse laser driver for relativistic laser–matter interaction and strong-field science using the high energy density instrument at the European X-ray free electron laser facility

Abstract High-energy and high-intensity lasers are essential for pushing the boundaries of science. Their development has allowed leaps forward in basic research areas, including laser–plasma interaction, high-energy density science, metrology, biology medical technology. The Helmholtz International Beamline Extreme Fields user consortium contributes operates two high-peak-power optical using high energy instrument at European X-ray free electron laser (EuXFEL) facility. These will be used to generate transient extreme states temperature probed by beam. This paper introduces ReLaX laser, a short-pulse Ti:Sa system, discusses its characteristics as available experiments. It also present first experimental commissioning results validating successful integration into EuXFEL infrastructure viability relativistic-intensity driver.