Coherent X-ray Scattering at Ultrafast Timescales

With the development of next-generation coherent X-ray Free Electron Laser (X-FEL) sources, we are entering a new regime with which to study ultra-fast timescales in quantum materials. In this talk, I will describe recent results on the measurement of fluctuations in a skyrmion system, complex magnetic textures which are slated to be the next technological breakthrough in computer and sensor technology. These results demonstrate that the tools we have been developing can now be used to understand stochastic processes near phase transitions in many types of solids. These studies, which are based on using ultrafast pulses together with newly developed modes from the X-FEL at the SLAC National Accelertor Laboratory called the Linac Coherent Light Source, also provide a roadmap for future studies in the area of quantum materials.