Electron dynamics can be successfully studied in the energy domain using the “core-hole clock” spectroscopy (CHCS) method, based on core-level excitation and decay. The technique 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 a selective interaction with a specific atom in a molecule, which is essential for a localized initiation of electron dynamics. The aim of the research project is to explore a possibility of electron delocalization in biomolecules and conjugated organic polymers. The information on the electron delocalization will be obtained from analysis of high-resolution Auger and x-ray emission spectra using CHCS approach.

At the moment I have studied dynamics in thiophenic systems concerning phenomena such as 1) post-collision interaction in gas and solid phases and 2) electron delocalization in conjugated polymers. We are also planning studies of electron delocalization in biomolecules. It will be extremely interesting to be able to (hopefully) have the full picture of how the electron behaves as we go from the resonant region (below ionization threshold), where delocalization mainly takes place, towards the non-resonant region (above ionization threshold) where post-collision interaction occurs (at least in the classical picture).

Within the group, me and my supervisor, Dr. Tatiana Marchenko, we are the first ones to take a step in the direction of studying electron dynamics in condensed matter and surface science.