Theory of ultrafast light-matter interaction

Our research group develops novel methods to follow ultrafast processes in molecules and solid-state systems by means of attosecond x-ray and XUV pulses employing analysis within quantum electrodynamics. In particular, we explore opportunities to use x-ray light to observe electron and spin dynamics in real time and on atomic scale.

The Freigeist-Fellowship project "Seeing excitons in motion" funded by the Volkswagen Foundation aims to employ advances of attosecond x-ray science to photovoltaic applications. In the framework of this project, we describe how photovoltaic materials in the regime of exciton dynamics interact with ultrashort light pulses. This description will provide tools to extract the finest details of exciton dynamics from signals obtained by means of ultrashort light pulses. Based on this analysis, the project aims to propose and design novel, cutting-edge experiments that will open up new perspectives for renewable energy research.