Attosecond Lasers Reveal Light's Ability to Instantly Transform Matter

Israeli researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have unveiled a novel method using attosecond lasers to observe and manipulate matter at unprecedented speeds. Published in *Nature Photonics* on November 1, 2024, the research details a dual-laser technique where one laser modifies a material's properties while the other acts as a slow-motion camera, capturing changes occurring within attoseconds – a billionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough allows scientists to track electron movement between energy levels, potentially leading to precise control of material properties using light. Professor Nirit Dudovich, leading the team, suggests this could pave the way for the development of ultrafast processors, significantly increasing data transmission and processing speeds. The method also promises new insights into previously inaccessible quantum phenomena, offering snapshots of electrons in motion and opening avenues for manipulating complex materials.