What is an attosecond? A physical chemist explains the tiny time scale behind Nobel Prize-winning research

A group of three researchers earned the 2023 Nobel Prize in physics for work that has revolutionized how scientists study the electron – by illuminating molecules with attosecond-long flashes of light. But how long is an attosecond, and what can these infinitesimally short pulses tell researchers about the nature of matter?

In fact, there are approximately as many attoseconds in one second as there are seconds in the age of the universe. However, electrons move around very rapidly in physical and chemical processes, making them difficult to study. To investigate these processes, scientists use spectroscopy, a method of examining how matter absorbs or emits light. In order to follow the electrons in real time, researchers need a pulse of light that is shorter than the time it takes for electrons to rearrange.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Three scientists win Nobel Prize for work on electronsThree scientists have been awarded the top prize in physics for their experiments in generating minute pulses of light that can be used to study how electrons move.
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

Nobel prize in physics awarded to three scientists for work on electronsPierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier share £823,000 prize for work on electron dynamics in matter
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to scientists working on electrons in atomsThe 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to three scientists who study electrons in atoms during the tiniest of split seconds.
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

What has the Nobel Prize in Physics ever done for me?The science that wins the Nobel Prize in Physics each year can be hard to get your head around – but it often has real everyday implications.
Source: _TCglobal - 🏆 4. / 83 Read more »

Hilton sisters and the physics Nobel prize: Tuesday’s best photosThe Guardian’s picture editors select photo highlights from around the world
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Nobel prize in physics awarded for work unveiling the secrets of electronsThe 2023 Nobel Prize in physics has been awarded “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter”.
Source: _TCglobal - 🏆 4. / 83 Read more »