XTRA: Ultrashort xuv pulses for time-resolved and non-linear applications

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0067

Key words (English)

Optics; atomic physics; molecular physics

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 505138

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 2.2.1 Marie-Curie Research Training Networks

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

In the last few decades the development of ultrashort laser pulses has led to significant advances in physics, chemistry and biology. With femtosecond lasers the elementary motions of atoms and molecules can be observed, leading -for example -to a better understanding of complex biological systems. Though electron dynamics often plays a crucial role in these systems, experimental studies have thus far been mostly limited to investigating the 'slow' particles (i.e. the atoms) that move under the influence of a potential that results from a time-average over all interactions involving electrons. In order to investigate electron dynamics in real-time, attosecond laser pulses (1 attosecond = 10-18 seconds) are needed.
Within the last two years spectacular progress has led to the first experimental realization and detection of attosecond laser pulses. In Paris and Amsterdam evidence was obtained for the formation of attosecond pulse trains in high harmonic generation and in Vienna the first convincing evidence was obtained for the generation of single attosecond pulses. These pulses were subsequently used in a first demonstration experiment measuring the rate of an ultrafast Auger process, a feat that made the frontpage of the New York Times.
The development of attosecond laser pulses represents both an accomplishment and a tremendous challenge for the future, where we have to learn to give meaning to the concept of 'attoscience'. It is the ambition of the XTRA network to play an important role in this process. The network unites a number of groups that in the last few years have broken the attosecond barrier with teams in atomic physics, molecular physics and solid-state physics that are eager to explore the possibilities for application of ultrashort XUV pulses in their respective fields.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0067