Rapid progress in ultrafast X-ray science worldwide, both in high-harmonic and X-ray free electron laser sources, has paved the way for a completely new generation of experiments investigating ultrafast processes in all areas of science. Femtosecond and attosecond pulses are now available spanning the extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray regions of the spectrum that are perfectly synchronized to a laser. The focus of
my research is to explore ultrafast dynamics in materials and nano systems, at fundamental timescales where all elementary processes can be captured, even at the level of electrons.
In my talk, I will present the results of three recent experiments: the breakdown of exchange coupling in magnetic materials on ultrafast timescales, ultrafast adsorbate-surface interactions, and capturing the entire band structure dynamics in a correlated-electron material. I will also discuss the future potential of X-ray free-electron laser science applied to condensed matter.