Laser Chemistry, Chemistry at ultrashort times

Chemistry is the science of materials changes and their associated dynamics. A firm grip on such intimate details is only possible by laser techniques. They provide detailed and basic insight into the dynamics of molecular and biomolecular changes on a molecular level. Both electronic and nuclear dynamics is of interest here. The following report is a summary of the work of the laser chemistry group at the MPQ Garching, extending to excitation and reactions of molecules in the electronic groundstate, i.e. on the initiation of purely nuclear motion. It is intended to pave the ground for more advanced electron dynamics in reactive chemical and biochemical systems. This, however, will require even higher time resolution – beyond the present age of femtochemistry.