My work focusses on the investigation and manipulation of ultrafast processes at surfaces and in nanoscopic systems. These processes occur in femtoseconds. A femtosecond is one millionth of a billionth second, that is 10-15 seconds. Atoms and molecules move around on these time scales. In order to observe these ultrafast dynamic processes, we need special instruments. By using ultrashort laser pulses I try to understand how these processes occur exactly. This can help to analyze every step of chemical reactions and consequently to improve them. Time matters much at this. The quicker a reaction is, the more efficient it is. The slowest process in a reaction blocks its efficiency. If I can locate and improve the slowest process, I could improve the chemical reaction as a whole.