@article{CoutoCruzErtanetal.2017, author = {Couto, Rafael C. and Cruz, Vinicius V. and Ertan, Emelie and Eckert, Sebastian and Fondell, Mattis and Dantz, Marcus and Kennedy, Brian and Schmitt, Thorsten and Pietzsch, Annette and Guimaraes, Freddy F. and Agren, Hans and Odelius, Michael and Kimberg, Victor and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Selective gating to vibrational modes through resonant X-ray scattering}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {8}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms14165}, pages = {7}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The dynamics of fragmentation and vibration of molecular systems with a large number of coupled degrees of freedom are key aspects for understanding chemical reactivity and properties. Here we present a resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) study to show how it is possible to break down such a complex multidimensional problem into elementary components. Local multimode nuclear wave packets created by X-ray excitation to different core-excited potential energy surfaces (PESs) will act as spatial gates to selectively probe the particular ground-state vibrational modes and, hence, the PES along these modes. We demonstrate this principle by combining ultra-high resolution RIXS measurements for gas-phase water with state-of-the-art simulations.}, language = {en} } @misc{CoutoCruzErtanetal.2017, author = {Couto, Rafael C. and Cruz, Vinicius V. and Ertan, Emelie and Eckert, Sebastian and Fondell, Mattis and Dantz, Marcus and Kennedy, Brian and Schmitt, Thorsten and Pietzsch, Annette and Guimar{\~a}es, Freddy F. and {\AA}gren, Hans and Gel'mukhanov, Faris and Odelius, Michael and Kimberg, Victor and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Selective gating to vibrational modes through resonant X-ray scattering}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {1124}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-43692}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-436926}, pages = {9}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The dynamics of fragmentation and vibration of molecular systems with a large number of coupled degrees of freedom are key aspects for understanding chemical reactivity and properties. Here we present a resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) study to show how it is possible to break down such a complex multidimensional problem into elementary components. Local multimode nuclear wave packets created by X-ray excitation to different core-excited potential energy surfaces (PESs) will act as spatial gates to selectively probe the particular ground-state vibrational modes and, hence, the PES along these modes. We demonstrate this principle by combining ultra-high resolution RIXS measurements for gas-phase water with state-of-the-art simulations.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Eckert2019, author = {Eckert, Sebastian}, title = {Accessing active sites of molecular proton dynamics}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-42587}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-425870}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {xviii, 193}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The unceasing impact of intense sunlight on earth constitutes a continuous source of energy fueling countless natural processes. On a molecular level, the energy contained in the electromagnetic radiation is transferred through photochemical processes into chemical or thermal energy. In the course of such processes, photo-excitations promote molecules into thermally inaccessible excited states. This induces adaptations of their molecular geometry according to the properties of the excited state. Decay processes towards energetically lower lying states in transient molecular geometries result in the formation of excited state relaxation pathways. The photo-chemical relaxation mechanisms depend on the studied system itself, the interactions with its chemical environment and the character of the involved states. This thesis focuses on systems in which photo-induced deprotonation processes occur at specific atomic sites. To detect these excited-state proton dynamics at the affected atoms, a local probe of molecular electronic structure is required. Therefore, site-selective and orbital-specific K-edge soft X-ray spectroscopy techniques are used here to detect photo-induced proton dynamics in gaseous and liquid sample environments. The protonation of nitrogen (N) sites in organic molecules and the oxygen (O) atom in the water molecule are probed locally through transitions between 1s orbitals and the p-derived molecular valence electronic structure. The used techniques are X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). Both yield access to the unoccupied local valence electronic structure, whereas the latter additionally probes occupied states. We apply these probes in optical pump X-ray probe experiments to investigate valence excited-state proton transfer capabilities of aqueous 2-thiopyridone. A characteristic shift of N K-edge X-ray absorption resonances as well as a distinct X-ray emission line are established by us as spectral fingerprints of N deprotonation in the system. We utilize them to identify photo-induced N deprotonation of 2-thiopyridone on femtosecond timescales, in optical pump N K-edge RIXS probe measurements. We further establish excited state proton transfer mechanisms on picosecond and nanosecond timescales along the dominant relaxation pathways of 2-thiopyridone using transient N K-edge XAS. Despite being an excellent probe mechanism for valence excited-state proton dynamics, the K-edge core-excitation itself also disturbs the electronic structure at specific sites of a molecule. The rapid reaction of protons to 1s photo-excitations can yield directional structural distortions within the femtosecond core-excited state lifetime. These directional proton dynamics can change the energetic separation of eigenstates of the system and alter probabilities for radiative decay between them. Both effects yield spectral signatures of the dynamics in RIXS spectra. Using these signatures of RIXS transitions into electronically excited states, we investigate proton dynamics induced by N K-edge excitation in the amino-acid histidine. The minor core-excited state dynamics of histidine in basic and neutral chemical environments allow us to establish XAS and RIXS spectral signatures of different N protonation states at its imidazole N sites. Based on these signatures, we identify an excitation-site-independent N-H dissociation for N K-edge excitation under acidic conditions. Such directional structural deformations, induced by core-excitations, also make proton dynamics in electronic ground states accessible through RIXS transitions into vibrationally excited states. In that context, we interpret high resolution RIXS spectra of the water molecule for three O K-edge resonances based on quantum-chemical wave packet propagation simulations. We show that highly oriented ground state vibrational modes of coupled nuclear motion can be populated through RIXS processes by preparation of core-excited state nuclear wave packets with the same directionality. Based on that, we analytically derive the possibility to extract one-dimensional directional cuts through potential energy surfaces of molecular systems from the corresponding RIXS spectra. We further verify this concept through the extraction of the gas-phase water ground state potential along three coordinates from experimental data in comparison to quantum-chemical simulations of the potential energy surface. This thesis also contains contributions to instrumentation development for investigations of photo-induced molecular dynamics at high brilliance X-ray light sources. We characterize the setup used for the transient valence-excited state XAS measurements of 2-thiopyridone. Therein, a sub-micrometer thin liquid sample environment is established employing in-vacuum flat-jet technology, which enables a transmission experimental geometry. In combination with a MHz-laser system, we achieve a high detection sensitivity for photo-induced X-ray absorption changes. Additionally, we present conceptual improvements for temporal X-ray optical cross-correlation techniques based on transient changes of multilayer optical properties, which are crucial for the realization of femtosecond time-resolved studies at synchrotrons and free-electron lasers.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertBeyePietzschetal.2015, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Beye, Martin and Pietzsch, Annette and Quevedo, Wilson and Hantschmann, Markus and Ochmann, Miguel and Ross, Matthew and Minitti, Michael P. and Turner, Joshua J. and Moeller, Stefan P. and Schlotter, William F. and Dakovski, Georgi L. and Khalil, Munira and Huse, Nils and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Principles of femtosecond X-ray/optical cross-correlation with X-ray induced transient optical reflectivity in solids}, series = {Applied physics letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Applied physics letters}, number = {6}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.4907949}, pages = {4}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The discovery of ultrafast X-ray induced optical reflectivity changes enabled the development of X-ray/optical cross correlation techniques at X-ray free electron lasers worldwide. We have now linked through experiment and theory the fundamental excitation and relaxation steps with the transient optical properties in finite solid samples. Therefore, we gain a thorough interpretation and an optimized detection scheme of X-ray induced changes to the refractive index and the X-ray/optical cross correlation response. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertMascarenhasMitzneretal.2022, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Mascarenhas, Eric Johnn and Mitzner, Rolf and Jay, Raphael Martin and Pietzsch, Annette and Fondell, Mattis and Vaz da Cruz, Vinicius and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {From the free ligand to the transition metal complex}, series = {Inorganic chemistry}, volume = {61}, journal = {Inorganic chemistry}, number = {27}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0020-1669}, doi = {10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00789}, pages = {10321 -- 10328}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Chelating agents are an integral part of transition metal complex chemistry with broad biological and industrial relevance. The hexadentate chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has the capability to bind to metal ions at its two nitrogen and four of its carboxylate oxygen sites. We use resonant inelastic X-ray scattering at the 1s absorption edge of the aforementioned elements in EDTA and the iron(III)-EDTA complex to investigate the impact of the metal-ligand bond formation on the electronic structure of EDTA. Frontier orbital distortions, occupation changes, and energy shifts through metal- ligand bond formation are probed through distinct spectroscopic signatures.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertMiedemaQuevedoetal.2016, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Miedema, P. S. and Quevedo, W. and Fondell, Mattis and Beye, Martin and Pietzsch, Annette and Ross, M. and Khalil, M. and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Molecular structures and protonation state of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution}, series = {Chemical physics letters}, volume = {647}, journal = {Chemical physics letters}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0009-2614}, doi = {10.1016/j.cplett.2016.01.050}, pages = {103 -- 106}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The speciation of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution has been investigated with nitrogen 1s Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy and time dependent Density Functional Theory. The prevalence of distinct species as a function of the solvent basicity is established. No indications of dimerization towards high concentrations are found. The determination of different molecular structures of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution is put into the context of proton-transfer in keto-enol and thione-thiol tautomerisms. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.}, language = {en} } @misc{EckertMiedemaQuevedoetal.2016, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Miedema, Piter and Quevedo, Wilson and O'Cinneide, B. and Fondell, Mattis and Beye, Martin and Pietzsch, Annette and Ross, Matthew R. and Khalil, Munira and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Molecular structures and protonation state of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {953}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-43747}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-437473}, pages = {103 -- 106}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The speciation of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution has been investigated with nitrogen 1s Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy and time dependent Density Functional Theory. The prevalence of distinct species as a function of the solvent basicity is established. No indications of dimerization towards high concentrations are found. The determination of different molecular structures of 2-Mercaptopyridine in aqueous solution is put into the context of proton-transfer in keto-enol and thione-thiol tautomerisms. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertNiskanenJayetal.2017, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Niskanen, Johannes and Jay, Raphael Martin and Miedema, Piter S. and Fondell, Mattis and Kennedy, Brian and Quevedo, Wilson and Iannuzzi, Marcella and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Valence orbitals and local bond dynamics around N atoms of histidine under X-ray irradiation}, series = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, volume = {19}, journal = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c7cp05713j}, pages = {32091 -- 32098}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The valence orbitals of aqueous histidine under basic, neutral and acidic conditions and their X-ray induced transformations have been monitored through N 1s resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Using density functional ab initio molecular dynamics simulations in the core-hole state within the Z + 1 approximation, core-excitation-induced molecular transformations are quantified. Spectroscopic evidence for a highly directional X-ray-induced local N-H dissociation within the scattering duration is presented for acidic histidine. Our report demonstrates a protonation-state and chemical-environment dependent propensity for a molecular dissociation, which is induced by the absorption of high energy photons. This case study indicates that structural deformations in biomolecules under exposure to ionizing radiation, yielding possible alteration or loss of function, is highly dependent on the physiological state of the molecule upon irradiation.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertNorellJayetal.2019, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Norell, Jesper and Jay, Raphael Martin and Fondell, Mattis and Mitzner, Rolf and Odelius, Michael and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {T-1 Population as the Driver of Excited-State Proton-Transfer in 2-Thiopyridone}, series = {Chemistry - a European journal}, volume = {25}, journal = {Chemistry - a European journal}, number = {7}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0947-6539}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201804166}, pages = {1733 -- 1739}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) is a fundamental process in biomolecular photochemistry, but its underlying mediators often evade direct observation. We identify a distinct pathway for ESPT in aqueous 2-thiopyridone, by employing transient N1s X-ray absorption spectroscopy and multi-configurational spectrum simulations. Photoexcitations to the singlet S-2 and S-4 states both relax promptly through intersystem crossing to the triplet T-1 state. The T-1 state, through its rapid population and near nanosecond lifetime, mediates nitrogen site deprotonation by ESPT in a secondary intersystem crossing to the S-0 potential energy surface. This conclusively establishes a dominant ESPT pathway for the system in aqueous solution, which is also compatible with previous measurements in acetonitrile. Thereby, the hitherto open questions of the pathway for ESPT in the compound, including its possible dependence on excitation wavelength and choice of solvent, are resolved.}, language = {en} } @article{EckertNorellMiedemaetal.2017, author = {Eckert, Sebastian and Norell, Jesper and Miedema, Piter S. and Beye, Martin and Fondell, Mattis and Quevedo, Wilson and Kennedy, Brian and Hantschmann, Markus and Pietzsch, Annette and Van Kuiken, Benjamin E. and Ross, Matthew and Minitti, Michael P. and Moeller, Stefan P. and Schlotter, William F. and Khalil, Munira and Odelius, Michael and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Ultrafast Independent N-H and N-C Bond Deformation Investigated with Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering}, series = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, volume = {56}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201700239}, pages = {6088 -- 6092}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The femtosecond excited-state dynamics following resonant photoexcitation enable the selective deformation of N-H and N-C chemical bonds in 2-thiopyridone in aqueous solution with optical or X-ray pulses. In combination with multiconfigurational quantum-chemical calculations, the orbital-specific electronic structure and its ultrafast dynamics accessed with resonant inelastic X-ray scattering at the N 1s level using synchrotron radiation and the soft X-ray free-electron laser LCLS provide direct evidence for this controlled photoinduced molecular deformation and its ultrashort time-scale.}, language = {en} }