WP1 Innovative technology for ultrashort X-ray spectroscopy – Lead beneficiary FASTLITE SARL
- Task 1 – Implementation of innovative x-ray sources with ultrafast (femtosecond and attosecond) pulse duration. High harmonic sources that deliver ultrashort soft x-ray pulses in the water window will be developed. These sources are based on HHG driven by near-IR (1.5 – 3 μm) ultrafast laser sources. Such laser sources are based on OPAs pumped by Titanium-sapphire ultrafast lasers and by OPCPAs.
- Task 2 – Synthesis and the processing of perovskite semiconductors for the fabrication of the thin films adequate for their characterization through electronic and X-ray spectroscopies.
- Task 3 – Development of XUV/X-ray sensitive sCMOS camera suitable for high repetition rate imaging and spectroscopy as well as single-photon detection that is necessary for high sensitivity, transient soft X-ray absorption experiments.
WP2 Ultrafast X-ray Spectroscopy of molecules in solution and molecular powders - Lead beneficiary FVB-MBI
- Task 1 – transient soft X-ray absorption experiments will be performed to unravel charge transfer processes in acceptor-donor molecular systems in solution, such as the prototypical push-pull chromophores (dimethylaminobenzonitrile).
- Task 2 – Studies of electron dynamics of biomolecules and organic polymers in the energy domain using Core-Hole Clock Spectroscopy (CHCS) based on core level excitation and decay. This method uses the lifetime of the intermediate core-hole state as an internal reference clock for the temporal evolution of the studied process. For deep core shells, the lifetime of core-hole states is on the sub-femtosecond time scale, which makes CHCS perfectly suitable for the observation of ultrafast electronic motion. Furthermore, due to the excitation of the core shells, the CHCS method allows for selective interaction with a specific atom in a molecule, which is essential for a localized initiation of electron dynamics.
- Task 3 – development of theoretical tools for modeling the core-shell X-transition in dynamically evolving molecular systems, including the role of the solvent. Simulations of transient X-ray spectra of chromophores in solution will be in close collaboration with experimental groups.
WP3 Attosecond and picosecond X-ray spectroscopy of solids - Lead beneficiary CNR-IFN
- Task 1 – Transient ultrafast spectroscopy measurements will be performed of Weyl and Dirac semimetals. It is expected to get an insight in chiral dynamics of Weyl fermions. Furthermore, photoinduced ultrafast dynamics will be also studied in the perovskite semiconductors focusing on the role of constituents/defects in the photophysical properties.
- Task 2 – investigation of metallic semiconductors, such as thin films of CuWO4 and Fe2O3, by femtosecond transient soft x-ray absorption using laser-based, HHG sources, and Raman induced (inelastic) X-ray spectroscopy at FELs.
- Task 3 – Modeling of electrons dynamics in solids, in particular, studying core electron excitations of photoexcited 2D materials, using core-level absorption to confirm changes in the band structure.
WP4 Training - Lead beneficiary SU
Training activities within SMART-X. Multidisciplinary and intersectoral research training aiming at scientific excellence; training in transferable skills for enhancing the career path of ESRs in the academic and non-academic sectors.
All beneficiaries and associated partners contribute to these objectives.
WP5 Communication & dissemination - Lead beneficiary ICFO
Effective exploitation of scientific outcomes; effective communication of the Network with relevant scientific communities; promotion of scientific understanding in public at large. Dissemination of scientific SMART-X results through peer-review scientific publications, contributions to international conferences, video blog. Organization of scientific meetings. All beneficiaries and associated partners contribute to these objectives.
WP6 Management - Lead beneficiary CNR-IFN
Professional, strategic and efficient management and coordination of SMART-X, which includes: (1) efficient project start, development and close-down; (2) assignment of roles and responsibilities within the network; (3) timely recruitment strategy; (4) setup and maintenance of SMART-X website (restricted area); (5) effective financial management; (6) support for training events; (7) chairing of the Supervisory Board; (8) risk mitigation strategy; (9) communication within the network and with the REA.