Ultrafast Molecular Sciences

世纪的分子科学是建立在对微观世界结构的理解基础上的。很难夸大这是多么重要。对分子和固体形状的识别导致了结构-功能关系，从而产生了分子生物学，计算机芯片，塑料和药物设计。然而，大自然并不是静止的：光合作用、视觉、太阳能转换等背后有许多快速的分子过程。在21世纪，我们必须超越“结构”，对大自然的过程有一个动态的理解。本提案就是针对这一目标提出的。具体来说，使用新的超快电子和X射线技术，我们将研究分子动力学的基本方面，以期发展简单的“规则”，管理如何，在超快（飞秒）的时间尺度，电子电荷和能量流在这样的过程中。超快分子科学基于高功率激光技术的革命性进展，现在允许从红外到软X射线区域的超短脉冲产生。该提案建立在CFI支持的主要基础设施之上，由NSERC支持的HQP执行研究计划。

Molecular sciences in the 20th century was based on understanding the structure of the microscopic world. It is hard to overstate how important this was. Discerning the shapes of molecules and solids led to structure-function relationships which engendered Molecular Biology, computer chips, plastics and drug design. Nature, however, is not static: there are many rapid molecular processes underlying photosynthesis, vision, solar energy conversion etc. In the 21st century, we must go beyond ‘structure’ and develop a dynamical understanding of nature’s processes. This proposal is directed towards this goal. Specifically, using novel ultrafast electron and X-ray techniques, we will study fundamental aspects of molecular dynamics, with a view towards developing simple ‘rules’ which govern how, on ultrafast (femtosecond) time scales, electronic charge and energy flow during such processes. Ultrafast Molecular Sciences is based on revolutionary advances in high power laser technology, now permitting ultrashort pulse generation from the infrared to the soft X-ray regions. This proposal builds on CFI-supported major infrastructure, with NSERC-supported HQPs carrying out the research program.