X-ray Analysis of Soft Matter

We investigate water and soft matter systems under extreme conditions, such as very low temperatures, high pressure and confined geometries; aiming to understand the origin of water´s anomalies.

We utilise advanced X-ray scattering methods including X-ray free-electron lasers, in order to study the structural dynamics of water, aqueous solutions and other soft matter systems. Our research involves studies at ambient conditions as well as development of new experimental approaches such as XPCS at high pressure.

S. You, M. Ladd-Parada, K. Nam, A. Karina, S. Lee, M. Shin, C. Yang, Y. Han, S. Jeong, K. Park, K. Kim, M. Ki, R. Tyburski, I. Andronis, K. Ralf, J.H. Lee, I. Eom, M. Kim, R. Ma, D. Jang, F. Perakis, P.H. Poole, K. Amann-Winkel, K.H. Kim, A. Nilsson

Experimental evidence of a liquid-liquid critical point in supercooled water

Science 391, 6792, 1387-1391 (2026)

DOI

L.E. Kraft, J. Lucht, F. Berner, H.P. Hoeppe, T. Eklund, Y. Liu, M. Osterhoff, F. Westermeier, W. Roseker, T. Salditt, H.-J. Butt, K. Amann-Winkel

Dynamic contact angle on moving fibers measured by X-ray holography

Langmuir (2026)

DOI

T. Eklund, C.M. Tonauer, K. Yamashita, J. Giebelmann, L.-R. Fidler, A. Karina, H. Li, L.E. Kraft, F. Berner, N.C. Gießelmann, R. Bauer, A. Gierke, C. Goy, M. Ladd-Parada, F. Perakis, F. Westermeier, F. Lehmkühler, T. Loerting, K. Amann-Winkel

Pore-collapse in amorphous solid water: A dynamics study

Journal of Chemical Physics 164, 014501 (2026)

DOI

A. Karina, H. Li, T. Eklund, M. Ladd-Parada, B. Massani, M. Filianina, N. Kondedan, A. Rydh, K. Holl, R. Trevorah, S. Huotari, R. Bauer, C. Goy, N. Striker, F. Dallari, F. Westermeier, M. Sprung, F. Lehmkühler, K. Amann-Winkel

XPCS at elevated pressure and cryogenic temperatures: Multicomponent dynamics in amorphous ice

Communications Chemistry 8 (1), 82 (2025)

DOI