Ultrafast X-ray and XUV spectroscopy of charge dynamics in molecular systems

Thanks to recent advances in laser and light source technology, the scientific investigation of the fundamental aspects of photointeractions with the basic building blocks of matter is now possible in both the short and long wavelength regime. I will present recent research and future opportunities of using ultrafast photon sources for time-resolved studies of charged-particle dynamics subsequent to the initial photoionization or photoexcitation of isolated as well as aggregated atomic and molecular systems. I will discuss the necessary photon source parameters that enable advanced spectroscopic methods and the insightful information these time-domain and multi-dimensional experimental methods can possibly achieve. Specifically, I will present a study of the photo-induced electron motion with attosecond pulses in the XUV and x-ray regime at the atomic spatial and temporal resolution and a study of the formation of nanoplasmas in gaseous clusters using ultrashort laser pulses at short and long wavelength. Finally, I will introduce the capabilities of a User Facility for Attosecond Soft x-rays and Terahertz (UFAST) which will be constructed at University of Central Florida.