Attosecond Science: A Nobel Prize-Winning Field

What is Attosecond Physics?

Attosecond physics studies the interaction of light with matter on an ultra-short timescale.

The term "atto" comes from the scientific notation prefix representing 10^-18, which is a decimal point followed by 17 zeros and a 1.

Therefore, an attosecond is one quintillionth of a second, or about the time it takes light to travel across a hydrogen atom.

Nobel Prize for Attosecond Physics

In 2022, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three scientists for their pioneering work in attosecond science.

The Laureates

• Gérard Mourou
• Donna Strickland
• Arthur Ashkin

Key Characteristics of Attosecond Science

Ultrashort Pulses

Attosecond physics utilizes ultra-short pulses of intense laser light.

These pulses are so brief that they can capture snapshots of the electronic motion within atoms and molecules.

Steering Electronic Motion

Attosecond science has provided tools to control and observe the movement of electrons in atoms, molecules, and nanostructures.

This has revolutionized our understanding of fundamental physical processes.

Applications

Attosecond science has applications in various fields, including electronics, medicine, and imaging.

For example, it has enabled the development of new medical imaging techniques and the creation of ultra-fast electronic devices.