X-ray Atto-Chirality

Exploring Ultrafast Processes in Chiral Molecules with Free-Electron Lasers

We are dedicated to develop the groundbreaking scientific impact of entering and furthering the realm of X-ray attosecond-science via new experimental methodology and AI-based data treatment at free-electron lasers (FELs) with particular emphasis on electron dynamics in chiral systems. Synergistically to the new frontiers of time resolution at FELs, the high photon energy of the X-rays allows to element specifically choose the vista of observation with highly localized atomic resolution. Combining these prospects with undulator-based polarization control at FELs will uniquely allow to address and interrogate chiral building blocks of life for their asymmetry and the role of charge migration as well as transient electronic states and coherent electron dynamics. This will enable groundbreakingly new insights into the dynamical relevance of Nature’s mystery why all known life is made out of one handedness. Understanding this fundamentally relevant asymmetry in the gas phase with atomic resolution in space and with time resolution of electronic movement is only the first step. It will lay the foundation for subsequently adding water molecules successively to the chiral systems and thus studying the relevance of environmental effects on building blocks of life, ultimately in the liquid phase. This prospect not only yields answers to the role of electrons in the formation processes of life literally at the core, it also sets the stage for gaining access to the delicate interplay of functional matter and its environment. The targeted ultrafast charge-migration dynamics in chiral systems with full site-specificity with and without environmental effects will leverage a unique scientific opportunity providing intriguing applications for X-ray attosecond pulses.