From Attoseconds to Nanoseconds: The Chemistry and Physics of Electrons, Atoms, Molecules, and Light

In recent years, the study of photoionization and photodetachment dynamics has contributed tremendously to our understanding of the interplay of the motions of electrons and nuclei in highly excited atoms, molecules, clusters, and nanoparticles. Experimental techniques based on photoionization and photodetachment have also provided new knowledge on the structure and reaction dynamics of both positive and negative ions and neutral molecules, including clusters and short-lived reactive intermediates. One goal of this work is to study the fundamental physical and chemical processes of interest on their natural timescales, which typically ranges from attoseconds to nanoseconds and longer. Our understanding of these phenomena has often been stimulated by theoretical predictions, and the interpretation of the experiments has been guided by detailed theoretical analysis and calculations. Increasingly, complementary tools such as transient absorption, electron diffraction, and coherent diffraction imaging are being developed and applied to provide a more complete picture of the structures, dynamics, and processes of interest. The conference program will focus on the new science revealed through the use of this full range of experimental and theoretical techniques. Efforts to visualize, and ultimately control, electronic and nuclear motion will also be discussed. The field has benefited tremendously from a wide range of technological advances, and the program will include presentations about recent and anticipated advances in both laboratory- and facility-based light sources.