A velocity map imaging apparatus for gas phase studies at FERMI@Elettra

The design and evaluation of a velocity map imaging spectrometer specifically optimised for experiments at the FERMI free electron laser source are described. Optimisation of the set-up for the detection of high energy electrons (experimentally calibrated up to 45 eV), reduction of scattered light and characterisation of the pulsed gas source are outlined. The instrument has been tested using synchrotron light at the GasPhase beamline at Elettra, the Italian synchrotron source, and the results are presented.