Laser Pulses
Articles tagged with Laser Pulses
New laser method gives insight into radioactive atomic nuclei
A new laser method allows researchers to study radioactive elements like neptunium and fermium, which have rugby ball-shaped atomic nuclei. The technique provides crucial information about the size and shape of atomic nuclei, essential for understanding actinide properties.
Quantum entanglement on attosecond timescales
The study measures ultrafast electron dynamics in hydrogen molecules, observing oscillations in hole localization that depend on the delay between attosecond pulses. Entanglement occurs at the expense of electronic coherence in the remaining ion.
Elegant solution for measuring ultrashort laser pulses discovered
Researchers at Lund University have developed a compact and elegant way to stretch ultrafast laser pulses using a diffraction grating, allowing for precise control over pulse duration. This enables full characterization in a single shot, without the need for pre-compensation optical elements.
Breaking barriers in attoscience with the shortest light pulse ever created
Researchers have generated a 19.2-attosecond soft X-ray pulse, creating a camera capable of capturing elusive electron dynamics in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough enables direct observation of processes driving photovoltaics, catalysis, and emerging quantum devices.
Observing nanoscale dynamics with soft X-rays
Researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a laboratory-scale soft-X-ray instrument to study ultrafast processes of emergent textures in magnetic materials. They observed nanoscale magnetic maze domains and discovered complex reorganization patterns on picosecond to nanosecond timescales.
Observing quantum footballs blown up by laser kicks
Researchers from two Max Planck Institutes directly observe the strong reshaping of C60 molecules by laser fields using x-ray camera. At low intensities, the molecule expands before fragmentation sets in, while at high intensities, fast expansion and removal of outer valence electrons occur.
Highly efficient and compact
Researchers have developed a new system that combines laser amplification and bandwidth, achieving 80% efficiency in a compact and versatile design. The system uses a multipass procedure to synchronize pulses and generate pulses shorter than 50 femtoseconds.
Characterization of few-cycle pulses tunable across the vacuum ultraviolet
Scientists at Max Born Institute develop technique to generate µJ-level tunable few-fs UV pulses in VUV range. They successfully characterized few-fs pulses tuned between 160 and 190 nm using electron FROG, revealing pulse duration of 2-3 fs.
Attosecond plasma lens
Scientists at Max Born Institute and DESY develop a plasma lens that focuses attosecond pulses, improving the study of ultrafast electron dynamics. The technique offers high transmission rates and allows for focusing light across different colors.
Topologically tunable strong-field terahertz pulses from magnetized plasma
Researchers at Peking University and Hunan University have developed a method to generate powerful, structured terahertz pulses with programmable polarization textures. The team uses femtosecond laser pulses to drive magnetized plasma, creating Poincaré THz beams carrying spin and orbital angular momentum.
High-frequency molecular vibrations initiate electron movement
A team of scientists observed the earliest steps of ultrafast charge transfer in a complex dye molecule, with high-frequency vibrations playing a central role. The experiments showed that these vibrations initiate charge transport, while processes in the surrounding solvent begin only at a later stage.
Keeping the photon in the dark
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a versatile method to control dark excitons in semiconductor quantum dots using chirped laser pulses and magnetic fields. This allows for the storage and manipulation of excitons, enabling new opportunities for quantum memory control and entangled photon pair generation.
Ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching at the nanoscale
Scientists demonstrate ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching, enabling faster and more robust memory devices. The study uses plasmonic gold nanostructures to confine light and achieve magnetization switching with single femtosecond laser pulses.
Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.
Researchers capture first laser-driven, high-resolution CT scans of dense objects
A Colorado State University team has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology by capturing high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source. This breakthrough offers a fast and non-destructive way to obtain detailed views inside dense structures.
Watching electron motion in solids
A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...
Optical control of phase and group velocities in everyday liquids
Scientists have discovered a way to turn ordinary liquids into epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials by interacting them with intense femtosecond laser pulses. This creates a new class of materials with tunable light propagation properties, opening up possibilities for advances in optical sensing and communication.
Time-resolved polarimetric electron microscopy reveals spin meron pair
Researchers used time-delayed laser pulses to capture electric and magnetic field vectors of surface plasmon polaritons, revealing a meron pair's spin texture. The study demonstrates stable spin structures despite fast field rotations.
Nanosteps order relativistic electrons to fall in line.
Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have developed a novel method to steer relativistic electron pulses produced by femtosecond lasers. By using solid targets with nanopillars, they achieved coherent control over the electrons' directionality and formed narrow beams.
Research team demonstrated nonlinear compton scattering with a multi-petawatt laser, mimicking astrophysical phenomena and producing ultra-bright gamma rays
A team of researchers successfully demonstrated nonlinear Compton scattering using a multi-petawatt laser, producing ultra-bright gamma rays. The achievement offers new insights into high-energy electron-photon interactions without traditional particle accelerators.
Squeeze it!
Researchers at European XFEL and DESY develop self-chirping method to produce high-power attosecond hard X-ray pulses without reducing electron bunch charge. This enables non-destructive measurements at the atomic level and opens new avenues for studying matter at the atomic scale.
How fast is quantum entanglement?
Researchers at TU Wien have developed computer simulations to investigate the temporal development of quantum entanglement. They found that the 'birth time' of an electron flying away from an atom is related to the state of the remaining electron, demonstrating a quantum-physical superposition.
Record-breaking laser pulses
Researchers at ETH Zurich have set a new record for the strongest laser pulses, surpassing previous records by over 50%, using a special arrangement of mirrors and a semiconductor mirror. The pulses can be used to create high harmonic frequencies up to X-rays, enabling fast processes in the attosecond range.
Discovering quasiparticles ejected from color centers in diamond crystals
Scientists have created extremely thin sheets of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond crystals, which exhibit exceptional sensitivity to environmental variations. The findings reveal the emergence of Fröhlich polarons, previously thought not to exist in diamonds, opening up new prospects for quantum sensing.
New technology produces ultrashort ion pulses
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method to generate extremely short, powerful ion pulses for controlled analysis of material surfaces. These pulses can be used to observe chemical processes in real-time, providing insights into surface physics and chemistry on a picosecond time scale.
ZJU researchers address oxidation issue of copper by laser writing towards in-situ integrated sensing
Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Nanoparticle array implantation for sensitive and reusable detection
A new SERS microfluidic system was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers, achieving a detection limit lower than 10 ppt of harmful substances. The system uses femtosecond laser-induced nanoparticle implantation into flexible substrate for sensitive and reusable microfluidics detection.
A ‘measure’ advance for ultrashort laser light!
The TIFR team developed a method to measure the temporal shape of ultrashort laser pulses using spectral interferometry, enabling precise measurement of pulse profiles at different points across the beam. This breakthrough is essential for handling increasingly powerful lasers that emit pulses and can distort optical components.
Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching
A team of researchers has determined a fundamental spatial limit for light-driven magnetization reversal in nanometer-scale materials. They found that the minimum size for all-optical switching is around 25 nm due to ultrafast lateral electron diffusion, which rapidly cools illuminated regions.
Gold nanoparticles that selectively emit left-/right-handed light
Researchers found that chiral gold nanoparticles exhibit high selectivity for left- or right-handed circularly polarized light with a dissymmetry factor of approximately 0.7, outperforming previous materials. The findings suggest potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and quantum information using circularly polarized light.
What is "time" for quantum particles?
Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.
Listening to muscles
Researchers have developed a non-invasive optical-acoustic imaging method using short laser pulses to create images of muscle tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder causing muscle degeneration.
The dance of electrons
Scientists have discovered a new way to transform an insulating material into a semimetal by exposing it to ultrafast laser pulses. This process alters the energy states and electron movement, temporarily creating a semimetallic state that can be used in devices with dynamic properties.
Attosecond core-level spectroscopy reveals real-time molecular dynamics
Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate molecular dynamics in real-time, tracing the evolution of gas-phase furan and uncovering its ring-opening dynamics. The technique, based on attosecond core-level spectroscopy, provides an extremely detailed picture of the relaxation process.
Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging
Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. The system uses single-photon detection techniques to measure time-of-flight, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of terrain and objects even in challenging environments.
Novel UV broadband spectrometer revolutionizes air pollutant analysis
The novel UV broadband spectrometer enables real-time analysis of air pollutants and their interaction with other gases and sunlight. It combines high spectral resolution, short measurement times, and large bandwidth, making it suitable for sensitive measurements and monitoring of gas concentrations.
Unlocking visible femtosecond fiber oscillators: A breakthrough in laser science
Researchers have developed a visible-light mode-locked femtosecond fiber oscillator and amplifier, emitting red light at 635 nm. The device achieves a pulse duration of 199 fs and an average output power over 1 W.
A micro-accelerator for mega-electronvolt electrons: TIFR Hyderabad researchers generate super-fast electrons with table-top laser systems
Scientists from TIFRH successfully generate MeV temperature electrons at a fraction of the previously thought necessary laser intensity. The technique uses two laser pulses to create tiny explosions in microdroplets and accelerate electrons to megaelectronvolt energies.
IMS developing Japan's first "Cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers: new collaboration with 10 industry partners toward commercialization
The Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) is accelerating the development of novel quantum computers based on 'cold (neutral) atom' technology, leveraging expertise from 10 industry partners. The partnership aims to launch a start-up company and develop practical applications of quantum computers by end FY2024.
A physical qubit with built-in error correction
A team of researchers from the universities of Mainz, Olomouc, and Tokyo has successfully generated a logical qubit from a single light pulse that can correct errors. This breakthrough uses a photon-based approach to overcome the limitations of current quantum computing technology.
Short X-ray pulses reveal the source of light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3
A team of researchers has identified the intrinsic interactions responsible for light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO3. By measuring fluctuations in atomic positions, they found that mid-infrared excitation suppresses certain lattice vibrations, leading to a more ordered dipolar structure.
Optical aspects of quantitative photoacoustic tomography
The review discusses the optical aspects of QPAT, including mathematical models for light propagation and interaction with biological tissues. The authors outline two approaches to estimating chromophore concentrations from absorbed optical energy density data, highlighting the challenges associated with practical implementation, such ...
Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...
Magnetization by laser pulse
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have identified a promising phenomenon where certain iron alloys can be magnetized using ultrashort laser pulses. The team has now expanded its findings to an iron-vanadium alloy, revealing a new class of materials with potential applications in spintronics and magnetic sensors.
Ultrafast quantum simulation of large-scale quantum entanglement
Researchers create an ultrafast quantum simulator that can simulate large-scale quantum entanglement on a timescale of several hundred picoseconds. By applying their novel ultrafast quantum computer scheme, they overcome the issue of external noise and achieve high speed and accurate controls.
CityU researchers develop ultra-sensitive photoacoustic microscopy for wide biomedical application potential
The research team created a multi-spectral, super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy system with improved sensitivity, enabling new applications and clinical translation. The system achieved up to capillary-level or sub-cellular resolution at greater depths than traditional optical microscopy methods.
Acoustic emission monitoring technique, an essential way to analyze pulsed laser processing
Researchers used acoustic emission to analyze pulsed laser processing of float glass, revealing interactions and forming circular pits and cracks. This study demonstrates the feasibility of AE monitoring in studying pulsed laser processing of other brittle materials.
SLAC researchers take important step toward developing cavity-based X-ray laser tech
Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a key process for next-gen X-ray lasers, demonstrating the use of synthetic diamond crystal mirrors to steer X-ray pulses around a rectangular racetrack. The achievement marks an important step towards creating brighter and more stable X-ray laser pulses.
A novel laser slicing technique for diamond semiconductors
Researchers from Chiba University developed a novel laser-based technique to slice diamonds into thin wafers, paving the way for their adoption as next-generation semiconductor materials. The technique uses short laser pulses to transform diamond into amorphous carbon, reducing density and crack formation.
Frosty hydrogen as target
A new technique uses frozen hydrogen as a target for high-power laser pulses, improving proton acceleration efficiency and paving the way for advanced tumor therapy concepts. The method generates multiple proton bunches per second and optimizes the process through AI algorithms.
Freeze charges in flames
Researchers at KAUST studied the use of high voltages to control charged particles in flames, which could lead to improved flame stability and reduced soot formation. The team developed a simulation to understand this phenomenon and tested its predictions by studying a flame inside a cavity exposed to electric fields of up to 2,500 volts.
Insert an ID card into hair-thin optical fiber with femtosecond laser direct-writing fiber Bragg grating array
Fiber sensing scientists from Shenzhen University have developed an encrypted fiber optic tag that can be used for all-optical labeling and recognition of optical transmission channels. The team proposed a method using fiber Bragg grating arrays prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing to flexibly store different coding sequences.
Laser pulses triple transition temperature for ferromagnetism in YTiO3
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute successfully induced high-temperature ferromagnetism in YTiO3 by applying laser pulses, raising the transition temperature to triple its original value. This breakthrough discovery opens new avenues for exploring and manipulating magnetic properties of materials.
Android-based application for photoacoustic tomography image reconstruction
A mobile application utilizing Python and a single-element ultrasound transducer has been developed for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) image reconstruction. The application successfully reconstructs high-quality images with signal-to-noise ratio values above 30 decibels, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource se...
Tunneling electrons
Physicists at FAU have successfully measured and controlled electron release from metals in the attosecond range using a special strategy. This achievement could lead to new quantum-mechanical insights and enable electronic circuits that are a million times faster than current technology.
Laser light hybrids control giant currents at ultrafast times
Researchers at Max Born Institute have developed a hybrid laser pulse that controls ultrafast light-induced currents in giant materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of valley-currents and spin-currents, vital for future valleytronics technology.
Femtosecond lasers with GHz bursts in MHz burst (BiBurst) enhances ablation speed of silicon by a factor of 23
Scientists have developed BiBurst mode, which groups femtosecond laser pulses in MHz envelopes to increase ablation speed and improve throughput. The technique achieves 23 times faster ablation of silicon without compromising quality.
Producing extreme ultraviolet laser pulses efficiently through wakesurfing behind electron beams
Simulations suggest a tenfold increase in frequency, with peak powers reaching 100 trillion watts, enabling more efficient generation of high-energy laser light. The new approach involves wakesurfing behind electron beams, maintaining coherence and alignment of the waves.
Metasurface enters laser fiber cavity for spatiotemporal mode control
Direct incorporation of a metasurface in a laser cavity enables spatiotemporally modulated laser pulses. Giant nonlinear saturable absorption allows pulsed laser generation via Q-switching process.