Ultrafast Dynamics probed by X-ray Absorption and Scattering and Diffraction

PhD supervisor: Dr. Marco Cammarata

Objectives:
SO = Scientific Objectives;
TO = Training Objectives.

SO1: Observe structural changes in proteins with X-ray Aborption and Scattering.
SO2: Observe protein dynamics with ultrafast optical spectroscopy from ultraviolet to infrared.
SO3: Interpret data using non equlibrium Molecular Dynamics.

TO1: Training in the use of state-of-the optical/Infrared pump and probe spectroscopy.
TO2: Training in the use of state-of-the art X-ray sources.
TO3: Training in data analysis of XFEL data.

Visualizing atoms in motions are becoming reality thanks to new X-ray sources. This ESR will study different photoactive (bio)molecules following photoexcitation. Since beamtime at XFELs is precious and limited, preliminary studies will be done in the already existing fs laser lab and at third generation sources. The XFEL data analysis code will be developed within open source frameworks. Experiments of X-ray Absorption, scattering and diffraction will be performed.

Involvement with other tasks: This ESR will be trained in performing optical ultrafast spectroscopy and data analysis of solution X-ray and optical ultrafast experiments. Partners could also perform optical experiments in Rennes.

Local Training: This ESR will be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Rennes where many courses are given in English and is part of an international Erasmus Mundus program (MaMaSelf) around Large Facilities offering courses in crystallography, physics, chemistry, etc.