First glimpse caught of how a molecule changes when it absorbs light
X-rays enable direct observation of the initial step of a light-driven reaction
Scientists have been able to see, for the first time, how the electron cloud of a molecule swells before the atomic nuclei in the molecule start to move. A powerful x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) has been used to observe how a ring-shaped compound’s electrons respond to light. Examining the inner workings of chemistry in such detail opens up new possibilities for understanding and controlling chemical reactions.