Josh Vura-Weis

X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) is a powerful technique for electronic structure determination.  Recent developments in extreme ultraviolet (XUV) light sources using the laser-based technique of high-harmonic generation have enabled core-level spectroscopy to be performed on femtosecond to attosecond timescales.  We have extended the scope of tabletop XUV spectroscopy and demonstrated that M2,3-edge XANES, corresponding to 3p⇒3d transitions, can reliably measure the electronic structure of molecular first-row transition metal complexes with femtosecond time resolution.  In the same 40-100 eV energy range, the 5p⇒5d and 4f⇒5d transitions give similar information about short-lived states in third-row metals. We use this ability to track the excited-state relaxation pathways of photocatalysts and chromophores, uncovering hidden loss mechanisms and providing new design principles for transition metal photochemistry.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.