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EXC 1074:  The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI): Structure, Dynamics and Control of Matter at the Atomic Scale

Subject Area Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Term from 2012 to 2018
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194651731
 
Final Report Year 2020

Final Report Abstract

The world is not static, but dynamic. This simple perception directly leads to one of the greatest and most exciting challenges of contemporary science: observing the movement of atoms, molecules and electrons in complex matter on their characteristic time scales. The central objective of the CUI Cluster was to study with rigor and understand in depth the dynamics of fundamental physical and chemical processes on all relevant length and energy scales. To name a few prime achievements: we realised our vision of direct observation of atomic motion during the formation or breaking of a chemical bond, i.e., we watched chemistry happen. An equally far-reaching vision concerned the study of strongly correlated motions of electrons and nuclei and the control of this “dance” that determines the properties of solid state materials. We could reveal new details on the mechanism of light-driven high temperature superconductivity opening up new avenues to the concept of dynamically controlled emergence. The cluster was instrumental in realising new milestones for seriell nanocrystallography for protein dynamics now opening perspectives for watching rare events in biophysical function. Last but not least our pioneering work in dynamical control of quantum gas systems paved the way to the first direct measurements of topology. To realise our overarching visions we bridged concepts and methodologies for the study of ‚small’ well controlled quantum systems to ever greater length scales and complexity, from large molecules, to solid state and nano systems. The key enabling features were the ultrabright X-ray sources and imaging methods developed in Hamburg. Through strategic planning, Hamburg is now home to a critical mass of expertise ranging from ultrafast physics, X-ray physics, solid state physics, laser physics, quantum optics, and nano science. Major investments have been made through the creation of various scientific centers that are jointly supported by federal and state governments, by the Universität Hamburg, DESY, the Max Planck Society and the European XFEL GmbH. This investment has attracted some of the top groups world wide to join already well-established research groups to make Hamburg a world leader in photon and nanoscience and the centre for the study of atomically resolved dynamics. The ambitious research program was accompanied by numerous innovative efforts for fostering early-career scientists, gender equality and improved compatibility of work and family. The embedded graduate school constituted the essential element for both promoting the interdisciplinary aspects of our research as well as providing specific support for women scientists. The Cluster intensely communicated to the general public through well-crafted efforts – most prominently with our science in schools initiatives. All in all, the cluster put Hamburg in a pole position to now explore the small and fast to understand and control the large and complex.

Link to the final report

https://dx.doi.org/10.2314/GBV:1697041418

Publications

 
 

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