Advanced studies of dynamics of isolated molecules by synchrotron radiation spectroscopies – ADMIRS

The primary theme of this proposal is to investigate geometrical and dynamical effects on the interactions of x-rays with molecules, in particular with focus on probing nondipole and dynamical effects in molecular photoemission and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) from molecules. These investigations, besides being of intrinsic interest in themselves, provide in turn crucial information in fields related to basic atomic and molecular physics, such as the chemistry of the upper atmosphere, environmental issues, similar processes in condensed phases and adsorbates on surfaces with possible implications for catalytic processes, etc.The synergy provided by the possibility for the candidate to spend an extended period of time at the host institution is therefore going to be extremely productive in developing a research program at the frontiers of science. This combination of high-level expertise and state-of-the art experimental equipments will generate internationally recognized scientific results and put French scientist even more at the forefront in studies of molecular dynamics induced by radiation-matter interaction.
Any process that changes matter can be most easily understood in atoms and small molecules. Investigations of prototype systems yield knowledge at the fundamental level. The electronic structure and dynamics are especially important since they determine most physical and chemical properties of the substance. The information obtained in isolated systems can be utilized to understand more complex systems such as macromolecules, molecules adsorbed on surfaces, and solids. This is e.g. important for the development of new functional materials.
The newly built synchrotron source SOLEIL in Saint Aubin, France, provides unprecedented experimental performances in the study of isolated systems in terms of photon flux, total instrumental resolution, variable polarization etc. For the next five or six years, SOLEIL will be the most advanced photon source in Europe to carry out experiments in atomic and molecular physics.
In this proposal, we intend to establish a strong program in France concerning the interaction of synchrotron light with dilute matter, based on several spectroscopic techniques. The expertise of the candidate in the field of electronic structure and dynamics of isolated systems will be exploited at the new synchrotron radiation facility together with the scientists at the host institution to develop a unique capability to derive information in great detail on the structure and dynamics of free molecules.
The two main experimental tools we intend to use are electron spectroscopy and inelastic x-ray scattering. Electron-based spectroscopies such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger and resonant Auger are closely related to inelastic x-ray scattering with respect to the scientific interests and technical needs (as far as the source and optics are concerned).
This rather ambitious program will be established on the following grounds: the candidate holds a chair in a world-leading institution in the field of x-rays interaction with matter (Department of Physics, Uppsala University, Sweden), and she has a long standing experience in structure and dynamics of dilute matter with synchrotron radiation spectroscopies. The partners at the host institution, LCPMR (Laboratoire de Chimie Physique, Matière et Rayonnement), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris have in turn a many-years experience in the field, and they have already obtained some of the necessary means to establish a long-term program at SOLEIL. The timing of this proposal is very suitable, since the partners at LCPMR are in the process of implementing a new experimental facility, namely the HAXPES (HArd X-ray PhotoElectron Spectroscopy) end station for the beam line GALAXIES at SOLEIL, while the main proponent has recently developed and built a new state-of-the-art apparatus to perform electron-ion coincidence experiments.