From UV to X-ray Spectroscopy in Liquids and Soft Matter: Linear and Nonlinear Interactions (LINX)
5–7 May 2026 | Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg, Germany
The LINX 2026 workshop will bring together leading experts and early-career researchers to explore the rapidly advancing field of spectroscopy in liquids and soft matter. Spanning ultraviolet to X-ray regimes, the program highlights both linear and nonlinear techniques that are revolutionizing our understanding of electronic structure and ultrafast dynamics in complex systems.
Participants will gain a comprehensive view of the field—from innovative liquid jet sample delivery methods, to state-of-the-art linear spectroscopies such as XAS, RIXS, and PES, to nonlinear optical techniques including SHG and SFG. The workshop will also showcase the latest developments in transient absorption approaches for tracking relaxation pathways in real time, and high-harmonic generation in liquids, which is opening exciting opportunities to probe coupled electron–nuclear dynamics on the attosecond timescale.
Aligned with the COST Action CA22148 Non-linear Extreme Ultraviolet to Hard X-ray Techniques (NEXT), LINX emphasizes the integration of experiment and theory, strengthens connections between HHG and XFEL sources, and fosters an inclusive European research community through knowledge exchange, training, and networking. The program combines invited talks, poster sessions, round-table discussions, and a dedicated session on communication and inclusiveness.
By consolidating methodologies, building collaborations, and supporting early-career researchers, LINX 2026 will help shape the future of EUV/X-ray spectroscopy in liquids and soft matter.
As the first edition of the LINX workshop, the 2026 meeting sets the foundation for a long-term initiative to strengthen the European and international community in liquid and soft-matter spectroscopy. This inaugural event aspires to establish LINX as a recurring forum for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in this rapidly evolving field.
Scientific Topics
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Nonlinear X-ray Techniques for Exploring Liquid-Phase Dynamics
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Soft X-ray Spectroscopies and Scattering Approaches for Liquid and Liquid-Crystalline Systems
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Vibrational and Electronic Dynamics in Liquids and Liquid Crystals: Experiments and Simulations
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Shaping Liquids into Light Sheets: Flat-Jet Platforms for X-ray and Photoelectron Exploration
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High Harmonic Generation Spectroscopy in Liquids
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Attosecond Chemistry
Dates
| Call for Abstracts | 10 December 2025 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 15 February 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 15 March 2026 |
| Registration Opens | 15 March 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | 15 April |
| Conference | 4–7 May 2026 |
Organization
The conference is organized by the Ultrafast Dynamics of Liquid Crystals research group, led by Laura Cattaneo, an independent group within the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, in co-organization with COST Action CA22148 Non-linear Extreme Ultraviolet to Hard X-ray Techniques (NEXT). The Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics has also provided organizational and administrative support.
