Mainz 2026 – scientific programme

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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 17: Poster – Interaction with VUV and X-ray Light (joint session A/MO)

MO 17.4: Poster

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 17:00–19:00, Philo 1. OG

Accessing ultrafast electron dynamics with single-shot single-particle diffraction imaging and spectroscopy — •Indrani Dey, Jasper Boultwood, José gómez Torres, Frederic Ussling, Yves Acremann, Isabelle Bolliers, Ehsan Hassanpour Yesagi, Linos Hecht, Katharina Kolatzki, Mario Sauppe, Simon Wächter, Changji Pan, Jannis Lehmann, Alessandro Colombo, Björn Senfftleben, and Daniela Rupp — Nanostructures and Ultrafast X-Ray Science, ETH Zurich

Ultrafast electron dynamics are in principle imprinted in diffraction patterns of single nanoparticles but they are difficult to extract. We have developed high-harmonic generation based single-shot single-particle diffractive imaging in the lab with excellent temporal stability and resolution. To gain access to ultrafast laser-driven changes in the electronic properties of an isolated nanoparticle, also the spectral distribution of the diffracted light needs to be recorded, as it reflects the static and dynamic interaction of the intense XUV pulse with the target. It is also crucial for accurate phase retrieval and structural reconstruction, as multi-harmonic contributions blur fine details. We discuss the design and setup for simultaneous recording of single-shot diffraction patterns and spectrum of free-flying particles and present first results. The development of Coherent Diffraction Imaging and Spectroscopy has the potential to enable also novel XFEL-based experiments with few- and sub-femtosecond pulses.

Keywords: ultrafast electron dynamics; coherent diffraction imaging; single-shot single-particle measurement; XUV spectroscopy; high harmonic generation