X-ray scattering enhancement via transient resonances
The advent of X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) opened the way for ways of exploring and controlling non-linear light-matter interaction and collective emission phenomena. Exploiting the extreme intensity of XFEL and building upon well-established techniques - such as x-ray lasing and x-ray superfluorescence - we aim at controlling the scattering properties of individual atoms. The process starts with irradiation by an XFEL pump pulse that creates core transient resonances in a target atom via photoionization. A second probe pulse, whose energy is resonant with one of the opened inner-shell transitions, can scatter, experiencing an enhanced atomic scattering factor.
In recent experiments we have proved that the scattering properties of atoms are transiently modified under the influence of intense x-ray pulses. We have collected evidence that copper atoms excited in a state of warm-dense matter show an enhanced scattering factor. Our findings encourage the application of the effect in innovative crystallographic methods where 3d metals may act as heavy scatterers.
Involved group members: