Project description
Optimised spectroscopy technology provides way to probe electron motion at the attoscale
Attosecond science provides insight into the quantum dynamics of electrons in atoms, molecules and solids with unprecedented time resolution. The analysis of extreme ultraviolet harmonic radiation generated when a molecule is hit by intense femtosecond laser pulses enables the study of electron motion at the attosecond scale. The EU-funded FESTA project plans to develop a compact, versatile and user-friendly extreme ultraviolet spectrometer that will overcome the limitations of commercially available systems. The aim is to bring the technology to TRL 6.
Objective
Attosecond science studies the motion of electrons on atomic and molecular scale, which typically occurs on the timescale of attoseconds (1 as = 10^-18 s). This motion is at the basis of all fundamental processes occurring in Chemistry, Material Science and Biology, and its understanding enables innovation in all these scientific fields. The access to electronic motion on the timescale of attoseconds is based on the analysis of extreme ultra-violet (EUV) harmonic radiation generated when a molecule is hit by an intense femtosecond (1 fs = 10^-15 s) laser pulse. However, despite its huge potential, the full exploitation of this approach is currently hindered by limitations in the commercially available EUV spectrometers and it is restricted to a few very specialized users who are able to build their own instruments.
By exploiting the innovative technical methods developed during UDynI ERC, we want to realize a compact, versatile, and user-friendly EUV spectrometer, which overcomes these limitations. In this way, we will grant access to attosecond science to a wider range of stakeholders in fields with high impact on the society, such as Health (e.g. drug discovery), Environment (e.g. understanding atmospheric photoinduced pollution, finding more effective chemical and catalytic processes) and Technology (e.g. study of high temperature superconductors and ultrafast switching in magnetic materials).
The objective of the FESTA PoC Project is the development of a EUV detection system prototype (TRL6), the identification of a proper IPR exploitation strategy and the definition of the most suitable business model for the commercialization of the FESTA platform.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
00185 Roma
Italy