X-ray quantum spectroscopy

We are modeling X-ray spectroscopies like resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) based on our developments in first-principle light-matter interactions. Together with researchers in the Photon Science Division at PSI, we investigate how orbital angular momentum and Berry curvature can be extracted from RIXS with circularly polarized photons. Extensions to chiral many-body effects like chiral phonons and chiral excitons are planned. In close collaboration with experimentalists, we will push the methods to a new level to explore quantum materials like topological systems and two-dimensional quantum magnets.

We are also developing methods to describe the response to strong X-ray pulses as generated by the SwissFEL and for ultrafast out-of-equilibrium scenarios.

Relevant publications:

1. Probing magnetic orbitals and Berry curvature with circular dichroism in resonant inelastic X-ray scattering
   M. Schüler, T. Schmitt, P. Werner
   npj Quantum Materials 8, 6 (2023)