Attosecond photoionization dynamics in complex molecules including relativistic and non-dipole effects

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Reinhard Kienberger
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550108122

The goal of our experimental-theoretical collaboration is to open for investigation the field of attosecond streaking delays in complex molecules. We will do it by performing the first systematic study of absolute streaking delays in iodoalkanes in the gas phase and on surfaces. This study will explain the role of functional groups in ultrafast laser-driven dynamics in molecules, including applicability of the delays as a sensitive analytical tool for surface science. Our pioneering experiments and state of the art R-matrix theory will establish CH3I as an accurate reference system that will allow measurements of absolute delays in a broad class of molecules. We will capitalize on our recently developed theory and extend it to predict and quantify new types of attosecond delays associated exclusively with relativistic and non-dipole effects and design future experiments to observe them. The extended R-matrix codes will be immediately applied to support past and currently ongoing experiments in the fields of time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and charge-transfer in molecules.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Zdenek Masin