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Electrifying discoveries: Researchers film the first moments on the way from light to electricity

Researchers successfully film the generation of electrical energy from light, providing a fundamental understanding of the physical processes involved in organic solar cells. The study, published in Physical Review X, reveals the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of excitons in the first moments of their existence.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

Magnon momentum microscopy: A new window into nanoscale spin-wave physics

Researchers developed a new method to observe nanoscale spin waves, directly detecting short-wavelength magnons using resonant soft X-rays. The technique, called magnon momentum microscopy (MMM), reveals strong nonlinear interactions and four-magnon scattering processes in magnetic materials.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

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.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2025

Quantum uncertainty tamed at the University of Arizona

The team developed a new method to produce ultrafast squeezed light, which can fluctuate between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the position of fused silica relative to the split beam. This breakthrough could lead to more secure communication and advance fields like quantum sensing, chemistry, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Catching aromaticity in the act: direct real-time tracking of how ‘excited-state aromaticity’ drives molecular shape changes

Researchers tracked ultrafast structural changes of a molecule driven by excited-state aromaticity, revealing its emergence within hundreds of femtoseconds and facilitating planarization. The study provides new insights for designing photoactive materials like sensors and light-driven switches.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

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...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

New 'chiral vortex' of light reveals molecular mirror images

A new structure of light has been discovered that can accurately measure chirality in molecules, a property of asymmetry important in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This 'chiral vortex' provides an accurate and robust form of measurement, allowing for the detection of chiral biomarkers.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2024

Single atoms show their true color

Physicists at Michigan State University have developed a new approach that combines high-resolution microscopy with ultrafast lasers to detect misfit atoms in semiconductors. The technique enables researchers to spot defects with unparalleled precision, which is critical for the performance of modern electronics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 4, 2024

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

A dual boost for optical delay scanning

Researchers at ETH Zurich introduce a novel single-cavity architecture for a dual-comb laser, enabling fast and precise scanning of optical delays. The system achieves high precision (2-fs) and stability (up to 500 Hz) for an optical delay of 12.5 ns, opening up new possibilities for practical applications.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Electrons in alcohol – concerted molecule and charge motions at terahertz frequencies

Researchers observed a novel type of excitation, called a polaron, where collective oscillations of the electron and its screening cloud arise at terahertz frequencies. These oscillations persist for tens of picoseconds and are impulsively triggered by ultrafast electron localization.

Cascading femtosecond lasers into the mid-infrared

Researchers at ETH Zurich demonstrate the first direct femtosecond-pulse emission from a quantum cascade laser in the mid-infrared region, generating powerful pulses as short as 630 femtoseconds and 4.5 watt peak power. This breakthrough opens up practical routes to accessing ultrafast dynamics across the molecular fingerprint region.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Ultrafast and coupled -- atomic vibrations in the quantum material boron nitride

Researchers discovered ultrafast coupled atomic vibrations in few-layer hexagonal boron nitride, resulting in a frequency down-shift of the optical phonons. The study also reveals a nonlinear optical effect that can be induced by moderate power light, holding potential for optoelectronic applications.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021