A femtosecond (10-15 seconds) laser pump generates an excitation pulse combined with a dual-probe setup to study crystal dynamics.Source: Viernes et al. (2026). Read paper ↗
Our in-house instruments connect ultrafast spectroscopy, electron diffraction and microscopy to reveal the dynamics hidden within matter.
01 — STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS
Capturing atoms in motion
Compact ultrafast electron diffraction reveals how crystal structures evolve after light excitation. We develop electron sources and examine the practical limits of temporal resolution and scattering sensitivity.
Femtosecond optical probes track excitons, defects and collective states in two-dimensional materials. Complementary structural measurements disentangle the responses of electrons and the lattice.
Engineered nanocontainers and air-free sample loading enable reproducible thin liquid layers, bringing nanomaterials and delicate biospecimens into view in their liquid environment.
Recent discoveries and foundational studies, organized by research theme. Explore ultrafast dynamics, quantum materials and liquid-phase microscopy, or browse the complete publication record.
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04 / OUR PEOPLE
Researchers, students and technical specialists working across chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology.
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05 / PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Germán Sciaini
Professor of Chemistry University of Waterloo
Germán Sciaini leads the Ultrafast Electron Imaging Laboratory, where custom instrumentation opens new ways to investigate molecular structure and dynamics—from quantum materials to soft matter and biological specimens.
He received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires in 2006. After postdoctoral and research appointments at the University of Toronto and a group leadership position at the Max Planck Research Department for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg, he joined Waterloo in 2014. He became Professor in 2025.
2014Joined the University of Waterloo
2021Waterloo award for commercialization through innovative research