‘Time frozen for the first time’: Arizona scientists unlock secrets you never noticed
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Record Speed
The world’s fastest electron microscope, developed by the University of Arizona, captures events lasting one quintillionth of a second (an attosecond), earning a Guinness World Record.
Pioneering Attomics
This revolutionary innovation, known as “attomicroscopy,” builds on the Nobel-winning breakthroughs of Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier in ultraviolet light pulses.
Laser Precision
Using a split laser beam, researchers created attosecond electron pulses, making it possible to image materials like graphene with unparalleled detail.
Electron Motion
For the first time, scientists can observe the rapid movement of electrons, uncovering previously unseen dynamics of quantum behavior and chemical bonding.
Lead Visionary
Professor Mohammed Hassan, the team’s leader, described the microscope as a “powerful camera” that unlocks phenomena invisible to conventional tools, advancing quantum research.
Quantum Impact
Attomicroscopy reveals the making and breaking of chemical bonds, key for advancements in medicine, energy storage, and material engineering.
Collaborative Triumph
Led by Hassan, the team—including Nikolay Golubev and Dandan Hui—received global acclaim for pushing the boundaries of electron microscopy and achieving groundbreaking innovation.
Material Insights
The breakthrough technology allows researchers to explore atomic-scale properties, enabling the creation of next-generation materials with extraordinary capabilities.
Boundless Potential
Attomicroscopy marks the start of a new era, with applications in quantum physics, biotechnology, and beyond, unlocking mysteries of the invisible world in attoseconds.