Ultrafast Electron Dynamics in Condensed Matter with Next Generation Attosecond X-ray Sources
Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST)

MURI #9: Objective

X-ray supercontinuum spectrum Fig. 1 X-ray supercontinuum spectrum corresponding to a transform-limited isolated 10 as x-ray pulses (insert), which covers absorption edges of 4 key elements marked on the top axis.

Since the first demonstration of single isolated attosecond extreme ultraviolet pulses in 2001, electron dynamics in atomic and small molecular systems have been studied on their natural time scales in pump-probe experiments by combining attosecond pulses with femtosecond near infrared lasers. In contrast, applying this new powerful tool to study condensed matter physics is still in its infancy. So far, only a few experiments on condensed matter materials have been conducted with isolated attosecond pulses. The objective of this MURI is to gain a deep understanding of the ultrafast dynamics of electrons in condensed matter with the development of new attosecond sources that span a broader range of photon energies and timescales as shown in Fig. 1. A wide range of systems will be investigated. We seek answers to important questions, such as “What are the fundamental limits on the switching of electrical current in solid materials?” “What is the ultimate creation and decay time of coherently superimposed core hole states?” “What are the effects of a liquid environment on the rates of Auger decay and intermolecular Coulombic decay?” Understanding the behavior of electrons in these solids and liquids is critical to the development of faster and more efficient electronic switches, memory devices, sensors, detectors and equipment for telecommunication, remote sensing, quantum cryptography, spintronics, radiation damage and other DoD applications.

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