Light-matter Interaction

Researchers have watched in real time how molecules move during singlet exciton fission, an important process in light-based technologies. They observed the movements in single crystals comprised of pentacene molecules, showing that a collective motion of molecules may be the origin of the fast timescales connected to this process. more

An international research team has demonstrated that ultrashort laser pulses can be used to protect one of the DNA building blocks against destruction induced by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. A second infrared laser flash prevented the adenine molecule from disintegrating. more

Researchers from the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin and the MPSD have found out that ultrafast switches in material properties can be prompted by laser pulses – and why. This knowledge may lead to advanced new transistor concepts. more

Excitons can simultaneously adopt atomic-like and solid-like characteristics when stimulated by light. The discovery opens up an important new avenue for the manipulation of excitonic as well as materials’ properties by light. more

Scientists pioneer an approach called self-referenced streaking, clocking Auger electrons with sub-femtosecond resolution. The breakthrough will unlock the broader potential for attosecond time resolution at X-ray free-electron lasers.
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