Attosecond snapshots: imaging charge transfer in molecules using EUV light

Electron dynamics underlie the charge and energy transfer processes in molecules. These processes, although extremely fast, can be resolved by sub-femtosecond light pulses and the electron motion can, to some extent, be controlled. A novel scheme for electron localization using intense IR lasers has recently been developed using phase-locked multiple pulses, in which the charge centre can be isolated. This process can be identified by the asymmetry in the dissociation products. We propose the use of an extreme ultraviolet probe of the molecular ion prior to dissociation to image the density and phase of the electron orbital. We hope this will provide rich insight into the charge transfer process in small molecules, which may be extended to larger systems.