Dr.A. Emmanouilidou

Attosecond and Free-Electron-Laser Science Theory Group

Professor Agapi Emmanouilidou
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London


Dr.A. Emmanouilidou I investigate the interaction of intense and ultra-short laser pulses with atoms and molecules. My research addresses Attosecond and Strong-Field phenomena that are triggered by near-infrared and mid-infrared laser pulses in atoms and molecules. To address these processes I develop state-of-the-art semiclassical non-mainstream techniques. These techniques are very accurate and moreover offer a physical picture of the mechanisms underlying these processes. Currently, with my group, we explore the break-up of complex molecular systems where both the electron and nucleus motion is accounted for. We explore the electron-electron interaction as well as the electron-nucleus interaction in ionization processes.

Moreover, with my group, I develop quantum-mechanical techniques to address photo-ionization and Auger processes as well as charge transfer and coherence processes encounterd in the interaction of Free-Electron Laser pulses with atoms and molecules. The intriguing aspect of the interaction with FEL pulses is that the laser boils away the electrons from the inside out. A fascinating aspect of my group's work is that our computational and theoretical tools allow us to predict new phenomena but also to explain experimental results and guide future experiments. We collaborate very closely with world leading experimental groups.

We are looking for strong students to work in our group starting September 2024 on developing state-of-the-art qunatum mechanical techniques to describe the interaction of molecules with laser pulses.

The description of the project is as follows:

We aim to explore the interaction of molecules with free-electron lasers (FELs), which are short-duration and short-wavelength pulses. FELs are a marvel of quantum technology and open new horizons for controlling the ultrafast motion of inner-shell electrons in fundamental processes far from equilibrium in chemical reactions and matter under extreme conditions. The proposed research will explore electronic processes such as charge transfer, coherent ionization and formation of exotic states of matter with inner-shell holes during the break-up of FEL-driven molecules. The Ph.D student will receive ideal training in cutting-edge quantum-mechanical and computational techniques that describe processes at the forefront of laser-matter interactions. The student will develop quantum techniques and computational tools to significantly advance the state of the art in theory that addresses ultrafast processes in driven molecules. Also, the student will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with top experimental groups at the Max-Planck Institute in Heidelberg and at the Science Division at SLAC at Stanford University. Specifically, the techniques that we aim to develop will also provide the theory, we currently lack, to compliment cutting-edge experimental studies concerning ionization and coherent processes in molecules driven by intense and high photon energy pulses. We are looking for Ph.D students with a strong interest in atomic and molecular physics and in particular in the field of laser-matter interactions. Strong background in both mathematical methods and quantum-mechanics is particularly desirable. Prior knowledge of computational languages and tools is an advantage but not necessary. Finally, we are looking for a student with a passion for inter-disciplinary research to work and train alongside experts in theory and experiment in the field of interaction of molecules with laser pulses.

If interested, please e-mail Prof. A. Emmanouilidou by early December at ucapaem@ucl.ac.uk

Prof. Agapi Emmanouilidou is the Chair of the organizing committee of the international conference Atto-FEL which takes place at U\ CL every 4 years.

Artist:Sofia Emmanouilidou
Artist: Sofia Emmanouilidou