NTU’s Quantum Science Center Develops Ultrafast Laser Technique

A collaborative research that includes a research team from National Taiwan University’s Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE) has been published in the international journal, Nature Photonics. Led by CQSE researcher Shih-I Chu (朱時宜), the team developed an ultrafast laser technique for the observation of electron action in molecules. This development allows humans to finally be able to accurately observe how electron dynamics control atoms and molecules within an attosecond (10⁻¹⁸ of a second).

Previous studies had proved that attosecond pulses produced by high-order harmonic generation (HHG) are the most promising solution to studying electrons. The key of the team’s experiment was to control the carrier-envelope phase’s laser pulses so that HHG would be produced at ultrahigh repetition rates. By being able to accurately monitor electron interaction, the study has made it possible for scientists to look at quantum mechanics from a different perspective.

The study “Coherent Phase-Matched VUV Generation by Field-Controlled Bound States” was published in Nature Photonics on May 11, 2014. The study was conducted in collaboration with world-renowned physicist Zenghu Chang (University of Central Florida).

The theoretical basis of the research was carried out by members of the NTU team Peng-Cheng Li (李鵬程), John Heslar, and CQSE visiting professor, Dmitry A. Telnov, while Dr. Shih-I Chu served as the coordinator of the theoretical efforts. The study also marked an important milestone for the theoretical study of HHG Vacuum ultraviolet light source.

To read the article, please visit the Nature Photonics website by clicking HERE.