our research
Here we offer a closer look into our current research areas including theoretical as well as experimental studies of electron-light interactions. We address the underlying technology and its advancement. We also provide insight into our laboratories and the instruments and tools with which we are trying to uncover the secrets of the microcosm and to gain control over its phenomena. Many of these tools have been developed in collaboration with other groups from all over the world.
Ultimate control of light and its use for controlling electrons from low to high energies promises great returns. But it requires a tremendous effort on the part of many scientists to bring these technologies to fruition. We have the privilege of enjoying the cooperative support of several leading research groups in the pursuit of the grand goals of attosecond science. Here, we acknowledge our most important partners as well as external funding sources. Without this help progress would be much slower, perhaps even impossible.
some grand questions pursued at LAP
atomic physics, atomic X-ray lasersHow do electrons interact with each other inside atoms? Is external control of atomic excitation and deexcitation feasible? What are the most efficient ways of putting atoms in highly-exited states and controlling their subsequent dynamics?
electron-based information technologies
Is solid-state lightwave electronics feasible: can charge transport be controlled with light fields in atomic-scale circuits? What are the ultimate speed and size limits of electronics? Which is the ultimate electron-based information technology: semiconductor/molecular electronics, spintronics, or plasmonics? Can quantum information processing be speeded up to optical frequencies?
physical chemistry, molecular science
Can light-field control of valence electron dynamics be utilized for inducing controlled changes of molecular structure and function and/or steer chemical reactions? What is the effect of electronic exitation on structural changes and reaction pathways in complex molecular systems?
compact accelerators, brilliant particle and X-ray sources
May ultraintense few-cycle light enable the production/manipulation/measurement of femto-/attosecond ultrahigh-phase-space-density electron bunches? Is light-driven particle acceleration scalable? Are compact, laser-based therapeutic ion (>200MeV/nucleon) and coherent diagnostic X-ray (>20keV/photon) sources feasible?
basic energy science: from photovoltaics to fusion energy
Can insight into the dynamics of charge transfer benefit solar cell technology? Can collective and transport phenomena in ultradense matter be observed in real time? Can this capability be exploited for igniting nuclear fusion?
structural biology, medicine
Is determination of the atomic structure of isolated biomolecules feasible with laser-driven X-ray or electron sources? Can cancer theraphy and diagnostics be advanced with cost-effective, laser-driven particle and X-ray sources?