Science › Instruments1 min read

Optical X-ray 'stopwatch' accurately measures 170-attosecond pulses of ångström wavelength

Ångström-wavelength X-ray pulses of 170 attoseconds have been measured accurately. The same optical system can time electron motion inside atoms and molecules.

Optical X-ray 'stopwatch' accurately measures 170-attosecond pulses of ångström wavelength
Photo: Idaho National Laboratory, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 · License: CC BY 2.0

Nature reports that the duration of ångström-wavelength X-ray pulses lasting 170 attoseconds has been measured accurately. doi.orgNaturedoi.orgOpen source ↗ The measurement was made with an optical system designed for precision pulse duration metrology.

The same system can serve as a "stopwatch" for the rapid motion of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Short pulses generated by the system could be used to observe electrons moving around atomic nuclei. doi.orgNaturedoi.orgOpen source ↗

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