Imaging the Dynamics of Electrons with Attosecond and Angstrom resolution

Objective

"IDEAA targets the synergistic creation of experimental and theoretical toolboxes, leveraging innovative attosecond time-resolved X-ray techniques, to capture electron dynamics within molecules with unprecedented ångström and attosecond resolution in space and time. Access to the electron time scale in molecules has opened tremendous new perspectives to direct chemistry through pathways otherwise not accessible by conventional chemistry, ultimately creating novel light harnessing approaches that enhance the efficiency of photochemical protocols. Despite strides in the understanding of how numerous electronic and vibronic interactions drive the responses of molecules, the precise control of reaction pathways remains elusive. In our ambitious project, we will use attosecond X-ray crystallography and soft-X-ray attosecond interferometry to create ""molecular movies"" with electrons as the central actors. We pioneered the experimental investigation of charge migration—rapid electron density variations within molecules—that defy traditional chemical expectations by altering bonding patterns. Yet, challenges remain in spatially resolving the dynamics of valence electrons at an atomic scale. Tremendous progress at X-ray free-electron laser facilities have made attosecond X-ray pulse generation a reality. Our team leads in this arena, largely contributing to advancements in X-ray time-resolved techniques at the European XFEL and with table-top sources. The pivotal developments of the IDEAA project combine attosecond science with atomic imaging, allowing unprecedented observation and control of chemical transformations. By combining three ground-breaking innovations in methodology and analysis, this project aspires to redefine photochemical reaction engineering, pushing the boundaries of observing and controlling the dynamics of matter at extreme time scales."