Daniel Rolles

Daniel Rolles is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Kansas State University. His research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with a specialization in ultrafast X-ray science. He employs advanced techniques such as femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, ion momentum imaging, and electron-ion coincidence spectroscopy to study nuclear and electronic dynamics during chemical reactions.

Education:

• Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) from Technische Universität Berlin (2005)
• M.Sc. (Diplom) from Technische Universität Berlin (2001)

Rolles' work leverages cutting-edge facilities like the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and FLASH free-electron lasers to achieve atomic-resolution imaging of chemical processes. His research combines lab-based experiments with high-order harmonics in the XUV domain and synchrotron radiation from sources like the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and PETRA III. He has received funding from the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

Research Highlights:

• Developing ultrafast XUV pump-probe experiments to visualize chemical bond dynamics
• Investigating Coulomb explosion imaging for molecular structure determination
• Exploring electron-ion coincidence spectroscopy in gas-phase molecules

Rolles mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, including Kurtis Borne, Lana Chaleunrath-Pham, and Avijit Duley. His group's recent work includes studies on ethanol roaming mechanisms and tribromomethane dissociation dynamics. He maintains an active research group with access to state-of-the-art X-ray and laser facilities globally.