Free-electron lasers (FELs) currently represent a step forward
on time-resolved investigations on any phase of matter
through pump-probe methods involving FELs and laser
beams. That class of experiments requires an accurate spatial
and temporal superposition of pump and probe beams
on the sample, which at present is still a critical procedure.
More efficient approaches are demanded to quickly achieve
the superposition and synchronization of the beams. Here,
we present what we believe is a novel technique based on an
integrated device allowing the simultaneous characterization
and the fast spatial and temporal overlapping of the
beams, reducing the alignment procedure from hours to
minutes.
