Abstract

In this talk I will describe recent advances in the generation of femtosecond X-ray pulses which hold the promise of bringing the fields of time-resolved optical spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray sources together. Synchrotron X-ray measurement techniques have revolutionized the determination of molecular structures. Femtosecond optical techniques have opened a window into the exploration of ultrafast events. Time-resolved structural techniques will provide direct information on atomic positions following optically triggered events such as photochemical reactions, phase changes, etc. I will discuss recent results in X-ray pulse generation at the Advanced Light Source.

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