Research Projects

This project aims to utilize advancements in femtosecond x-ray photon science through free-electron lasers and table-top high-harmonic generation. It involves developing self-replenishing nano- and micro-scale droplet targets for generating fs x-ray pulses using optical-IR lasers and cryogenic He nanodroplets. The project also investigates the physics of nano- and micro-scale systems on ultrafast fs and sub-fs timescales, capturing their dynamics and enabling spatial-energy-time-resolved studies. The proposal aims to implement room-temperature microdroplet and cryogenic nanodroplet sources for fs x-ray pulse generation using table-top sources. Glass capillary nozzles of nm to μm size will be used, along with cryogenic supersonic jet nozzles for He and rare-gas clusters. Coherent and incoherent x-ray pulses will be generated using nano- and micro-particle targets, and x-rays will be generated by optimizing laser-plasma conditions. The project will explore the fs evolution of nano- and micro-plasmas through coherent diffractive imaging, ultrafast fs evolution in finite systems, and perform single-shot coherent diffraction imaging of laser-plasmas. The Indian and German partners will collaborate on the project, leveraging their expertise and synergies.