Time-Resolved sub-Ångström Metrology by Temporal Phase Interferometry near X-Ray Resonances of Nuclei

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• X-ray Spectroscopy
• Interferometry

Background:

• Measuring atomic-scale motion is crucial for understanding material dynamics.
• Traditional methods often lack the required sensitivity or temporal resolution.
• High-frequency light interactions offer potential for novel measurement techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel phase-reconstruction principle for retrieving atomic-scale motion.
• To demonstrate the applicability of this principle using hard X-rays and gamma rays.
• To measure extremely small spatial displacements and relative-frequency changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing time-domain interferometry with resonant interaction of high-frequency light.
• Developing an analytical phase-reconstruction principle.
• Applying the method to a 14.4 keV emission line of an 57Fe sample.

Main Results:

• Successfully retrieved the temporal phase of the 57Fe emission line.
• Demonstrated the capability to measure spatial translation of the sample.
• Achieved sub-Ångström length and nanosecond timescale resolution for emitter motion.

Conclusions:

• The developed principle enables atomic-scale motion retrieval without requiring ultra-fast temporal resolution.
• The technique is applicable to hard X-rays and gamma rays, broadening measurement capabilities.
• This method provides a powerful tool for studying ultrafast dynamics in materials at the atomic level.