Researchers Capture Real-Time Break-Up of C60 Fullerenes with X-Rays

In a groundbreaking study, physicists have successfully captured the real-time break-up of C60 fullerenes using X-ray imaging techniques. This achievement marks a significant advancement in understanding the dynamics of polyatomic molecules under the influence of intense laser fields. The research, conducted by teams from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS) in Dresden, and collaborators from the Max Born Institute (MBI) in Berlin, along with institutions from Switzerland, the United States, and Japan, highlights the potential of ultrashort X-ray pulses from free electron lasers (FELs).

Innovative Approach to Molecular Dynamics

The study, published on November 21, 2025, in the journal Science Advances, utilized the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to directly observe molecular dynamics in real-time. By analyzing the X-ray diffraction pattern in response to a strong infrared laser pulse, researchers were able to extract crucial parameters. These included the average radius R of the molecule and the Guinier amplitude A, which indicates the strength of the X-ray scattering signal and correlates with the number of atoms acting as scattering centers.

The research team examined the behaviour of C60 across various laser intensities. At low intensity, the molecule initially expanded, followed by a gradual fragmentation indicated by a modest decrease in the Guinier amplitude. As the intensity increased, the dynamics shifted significantly; the molecule’s radius decreased rapidly, reflecting the fragmentation of a substantial fraction of the molecules.

Insights from Experimental Data

At the highest laser intensity of 8×10^14 W/cm², the data revealed that the immediate effects of the laser pulse led to a rapid expansion and a dramatic decrease in the Guinier amplitude, indicating that almost all outer valence electrons had been removed. This observation aligns with model calculations from MPI-PKS, which depicted the behaviour of freed electrons as small blue spheres in the experimental visuals.

Despite the promising results, discrepancies were noted between the experimental data and theoretical predictions, particularly at lower intensities. The model suggested an oscillatory behaviour, characterized by a periodic “breathing” of the C60 molecule, which was not observed in the collected data. To enhance the model’s accuracy, the researchers introduced an ultrafast heating mechanism, which improved the alignment with experimental findings.

This research provides a vital platform for further studies into the complex multi-electron dynamics driven by intense laser fields. As the theoretical descriptions of these interactions evolve, the ability to visualize structural dynamics through X-ray imaging will facilitate deeper insights into fundamental quantum processes within increasingly complex molecular systems.

The findings underscore the importance of continuous experimental and theoretical efforts aimed at mastering the interactions between lasers and matter, paving the way for potential advancements in steering chemical reactions using laser fields.

For more details, refer to the study by Kirsten Schnorr et al., titled “Visualizing the strong-field induced molecular break-up of C60 via X-ray diffraction” in Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adz1900.