Atomistic mechanisms for ultrafast energy transfer

Energy transfer processes within the fields of chemistry, biology, and in technical applications, in e.g. solar cells and photo catalysts, are manifest through a rearrangement of the relative positions of atoms. We will provide detailed understanding of such processes by imaging how atoms move as the energy flows through a complex chemical system, using the new possibilities at the ultra-brilliant, x-ray free electron lasers (XFELs), in combination with an innovative theoretical/computational framework. The expected results constitute essential elements for the rational design of new compounds for photo catalytic activity and for efficient solar energy conversion.

The project is supported by The Danish Council for Independent Research | Natural Sciences and involves partners from DTU Physics and DTU Chemistry. It runs in the period October 2014 – December 2017.