Researchers capture a 3D quantum picture of a molecule using tabletop X-rays

Scientists at the University of Göttingen have achieved a breakthrough by imaging the complete three-dimensional wavefunction of a tiny organic molecule. Using photoelectron spectroscopy to capture electron momentum and a novel algorithm to reconstruct the missing information, they generated a detailed picture of the molecular orbital, even discerning structures finer than the spacing of carbon atoms. The method leverages a powerful tabletop soft-X-ray source that delivers femtosecond light pulses, dramatically reducing the experimental data needed compared with synchrotron-based approaches.

Co-lead researchers Stefan Mathias and Matthijs Jansen highlighted the dual innovation of algorithm redesign and lab-scale X-ray generation. First author Wiebke Bennecke suggested that the technique could soon enable stroboscopic videos of wavefunctions changing on femtosecond timescales, offering new insight into how molecules respond to light and chemical stimuli. The findings were published in Nature Communications.