What Happens Between Blinks
Blinks happen in about half a second. But inside atoms and molecules, changes happen at astonishing speeds. At Kansas State University, Meng Han is creating tools to reveal this hidden motion.
Recently, Han’s groundbreaking work won him two significant national awards: the U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Award and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award. These honors highlight his position as an influential early-career researcher.
For Han, the awards are about more than recognition. “I felt gratitude for my dedicated team, including postdocs Jingsong Gao and Mahmudul Hasan, and the supportive environment at K-State,” he said.
His research addresses a fundamental question: What exactly happens within a molecule the instant change starts?
Seeing the Invisible
We perceive time in fractions of seconds, but at the atomic level, things unfold in attoseconds—one billionth of a billionth of a second. Han’s goal is to visualize that rapid motion.
Using cutting-edge imaging techniques with “super-fast cameras,” he captures how electrons move. This motion is critical for understanding how molecules bond, react, and behave.
A focal point of Han’s research is chirality—how molecules with identical structures can function differently based on their orientation. This “handedness” can significantly influence chemical reactions and biological responses.
“At this timescale, we can observe electron movement live,” Han explained. “It reveals the essential steps of molecular dynamics.” Recent studies indicate that chirality plays a vital role in drug interaction and development. A study found that over 50% of pharmaceuticals are chiral, impacting their effectiveness and safety based on their molecular orientation.
Dual Awards, Unified Purpose
The two awards encourage different aspects of Han’s research but share a common goal: advancing our understanding of electron dynamics. The Department of Energy grant targets chiral electron dynamics through the use of challenge circularly polarized attosecond light pulses, while the NSF award supports building innovative tools to capture molecular activity.
One pulse initiates the change, and another tracks it, allowing researchers to observe actions previously thought too rapid to measure.
Beyond observation, Han aspires to influence these processes. “We’re entering a time where we can not only see but also control electron motion,” he said.
Bridging Disciplines and Inspiring Minds
Both awards also provide a platform for student learning. Undergraduates and graduates gain hands-on experience with advanced technology and learn to tackle complex questions in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Their exposure to interdisciplinary research can open doors to diverse career paths.
Historically, electron dynamics were mainly theoretical. With Han’s efforts, researchers can now directly observe these phenomena. “It’s thrilling to be part of this shift,” he said.
Han hopes that his innovations will extend beyond his lab to inspire future generations of scientists. “I want to develop tools that others can use and inspire young people to tackle bold questions in science,” he added.
A recent survey found that over 70% of science students express a desire to contribute to groundbreaking research. This suggests a strong drive among the next generation to engage with questions of profound importance, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Han’s work.
