University of California, Berkeley

The next scientific frontier in time-resolved dynamics is the production and utilization of pulses of light in the attosecond time domain (l attosecond = 10-18 seconds). These pulses of light, which can now be generated in the soft X-ray regime of the electromagnetic spectrum, allow scientists to address dynamics on the timescale of electronic motion directly for the first time. The goal of this project is to apply isolated attosecond pulses for the first time to the science of solid-state materials, with particular future applications to solar photovoltaic and related semiconductor materials. The first steps in the formation of charge carriers in photovoltaic devices occur on exceptionally short natural timescales, governed by the rearrangements of electrons in orbitals and electronic bands in materials. By developing a laser laboratory dedicated to the measurement of such solid state electron dynamics, the project will (1) advance the field of short time processes through understanding electron dynamics on an unprecedented level, and (2) unearth mechanisms that will ultimately improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. While considerable sources of support are available for short-term exploration of devices and materials, such advances considered here may play a key long-term role in developing newly efficient energy production schemes in the decades to come.