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Nobel Prize 2023: Attosecond pulses
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter DrClaude
- Start date
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- Tags
- Nobel prize Physics
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the significance of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for the development of experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light. Participants explore the implications of this technology for studying electron dynamics in matter, including its potential applications and the broader impact on the field of physics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express curiosity about the importance of attosecond pulse technology and its implications for probing fast-moving particles like electrons.
- One participant notes that these tools have been available for about a decade and have been used to study electron dynamics in various systems.
- Another participant reflects on their personal perception of the significance of this year's prize compared to previous years, suggesting that personal interests can influence the perceived importance of scientific advancements.
- A participant questions whether the recognition of this work with a Nobel Prize is justified, suggesting it may be a fleeting trend.
- There is a mention of a specific reference to a review article on attosecond physics, indicating ongoing scholarly interest in the topic.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the overall importance of the Nobel Prize awarded this year, with some expressing enthusiasm and others skepticism regarding its significance.
Contextual Notes
Some participants indicate uncertainty about the broader implications of the technology and its applications, suggesting that the discussion is still evolving and lacks definitive conclusions.
- #2
Haborix
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Can anyone familiar with this field/technique give us an idea of how important this is?
- #3
pinball1970
Gold Member
2025 Award
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The presentation provided a few potential applications.Haborix said:
from 29.57
- #4
pinball1970
Gold Member
2025 Award
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They rang Anne L’Huillier to tell her she had won but she was lecturing so they had to try a few times.DrClaude said:
When they did get her, they told her but it was only a short call as she wanted to finished her lecture!
I wonder if she told her class?
Amazing.
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Important enough to be worth a Nobel prizeHaborix said:
To be able to probe things that move very fast, like electrons in molecules, one needs very short bursts of light to interrogate systems. These tools have now been available for about a decade and have been used to study electron dynamics in atoms, molecules and non-structures.
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For those that have access:
Ferenc Krausz and Misha Ivanov, Attosecond Physics, Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 163 (2009)
https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.81.163
Ferenc Krausz and Misha Ivanov, Attosecond Physics, Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 163 (2009)
https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.81.163
- #7
Haborix
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Yes, the trouble I have is my own personal interests means some years seem obviously important/cool and others just don’t trigger the same response. This year is the latter, but like you say, it is important enough to get a Nobel Prize, so I’m trying to figure out what I’m missing. Had the same response to the blue LEDs a few years ago.DrClaude said:Important enough to be worth a Nobel prize
To be able to probe things that move very fast, like electrons in molecules, one needs very short bursts of light to interrogate systems. These tools have now been available for about a decade and have been used to study electron dynamics in atoms, molecules and non-structures.
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I don't think you are allowed to say anything until the prize has been officially announced.pinball1970 said:
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hutchphd
Science Advisor
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Haborix said:
I think it is a just a (very short) flash in the pan.