Simon Wall

Simon Wall uses ultrafast light pulses to study and control the properties of quantum materials on femtosecond timescales and atomic length scales. In particular, his research investigates how quickly and efficiently materials can switch between insulating, metallic, magnetic, and superconducting states, and how these transitions can be controlled. As a result, this work provides new insight into the fundamental behavior of quantum materials and supports the development of future technologies, including neuromorphic computing. To achieve this, Simon uses advanced X-ray lasers. Unlike conventional laser techniques, these tools reveal structural changes in materials with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution.

Buzzwords:

Light induced phase transitions, Superconductivity, Insulator metal transitions, X-ray lasers

Photograph of a femtosecond optical laser laboratory with mirrors, lenses, and optical components arranged on an optical table for ultrafast spectroscopy experiments.

$False-color coherent X-ray diffraction pattern collected during an insulator to metal phase transition. The concentric rings and interference pattern reveal changes in the crystal structure.$

False-color structural image showing changes in a quantum material during an insulator to metal phase transition. The image maps atomic-scale structural changes measured with X-ray techniques.

$Photograph of a femtosecond X-ray diffraction instrument with optical components, detectors, and sample holders used to study atomic motion in quantum materials.$

Femtosecond optical laser laboratory at Aarhus University. This laser laboratory generates extremely short light pulses that last only a few femtoseconds. These pulses allow researchers to observe and control changes in materials that happen almost instantaneously.

This X-ray diffraction pattern acts like a fingerprint of the material's atomic structure. By comparing patterns before and after a material switches state, researchers can determine how its crystal structure changes.

Structural image of a quantum material during an insulator to metal transition. The measurement shows how the atomic structure changes as the material switches helping to understand and control the properties of future electronic materials.

Experimental setup for femtosecond X-ray diffraction measurements. The instrument is used to follow atomic motion and structural changes in quantum materials in real time.

Applications:

Fundamental Physics

Neuromorphic computing

Methods:

X-ray diffraction

X-ray imaging

Ultrafast optical spectroscopy

AU Materials Research Topics:

Quantum and 2D Materials, Materials at Surfaces and Interfaces

Revised 07.07.2026

Laura Rammelt

Simon Wall

Buzzwords:

Applications:

Methods:

AU Materials Research Topics:

University profile

Simon Elliot Wall