Fundamental processes in atoms, molecules, as well as condensed matter are
triggered or mediated by the motion of electrons inside or between
atoms. Electronic dynamics on atomic length scales tends to unfold within
tens to thousands of attoseconds (1 attosecond [as] = 10-18 s). Recent
breakthroughs in laser science are now opening the door to watching and
controlling these hitherto inaccessible microscopic dynamics.
The key to accessing the attosecond time domain is the control of the
electric field of (visible) light, which varies its strength and direction
within less than a femtosecond (1 femtosecond = 1000 attoseconds). Atoms
exposed to a few oscillations cycles of intense laser light are able to
emit a single extreme ultraviolet (xuv) burst lasting less than one
femtosecond [1,2]. Full control of the evolution of the electromagnetic
field in laser pulses comprising a few wave cycles [3] have recently
allowed the reproducible generation and measurement of isolated
250-attosecond xuv pulses [4], constituting the shortest reproducible
events and fastest measurement to date. These tools have enabled us to
visualize the oscillating electric field of visible light with an
attosecond "oscilloscope" [5] as well as steering and real-time observation
of the motion of electrons in atoms [6] and molecules [7]. Recent
experiments [8] hold promise for the development of an attosecond x-ray
source, which may pave the way towards 4D electron imaging with sub-atomic
resolution in space and time.
[1] M. Hentschel et al., Nature 414, 509 (2001);
[2] R. Kienberger et al., Science 291, 1923 (2002);
[3] A. Baltuska et al., Nature 421, 611 (2003);
[4] R. Kienberger et al., Nature 427, 817 (2004);
[5] E. Goulielmakis et al., Science 305, 1267 (2004);
[6] M. Drescher et al., Nature 419, 803 (2002).
[7] J. Seres et al, Nature 433, 596 (2005).
[8] M. Kling et al., Science 312, 246 (2006).
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