Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:32
Image-based Lagrangian Particle Tracking in Bed-load Experiments
Published on: July 20, 2017
Tracking electrons at the space-time limit
S Maier1, R Spachtholz1, K Glöckl1
1Department of Physics, Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy, and Halle-Berlin-Regensburg Cluster of Excellence CCE, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Nature Photonics
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Scientists visualized electron tunneling at the atomic scale using attosecond time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy. This breakthrough allows observing quantum motion and mapping atoms with unprecedented precision.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Ultrafast science
- Surface science
Background:
- Observing electron wavefunction dynamics is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and quantum phenomena.
- Current techniques lack the spatial and temporal resolution to capture electron motion at the intrinsic quantum scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally probe electron wavefunction dynamics at the space-time limit during quantum tunneling.
- To develop and apply ultrafast, atomic-scale imaging techniques for quantum motion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic-scale lightwave-driven scanning tunneling microscopy (LW-STM) with attosecond time resolution.
- Employed phase-controlled, time-delayed near-infrared laser pulses to modulate the tunneling barrier.
- Performed full quantum simulations to validate experimental findings.
Main Results:
- Successfully resolved individual electron tunneling transients shorter than 1 femtosecond.
- Determined the spatial extension of the tunneling wave packet, influenced by multi-photon and field-driven dynamics.
- Localized the attosecond-confined tunneling wave packet on the angstrom scale.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the capability to observe intrinsic quantum motion of electrons at the space-time limit.
- Developed a novel method combining attosecond science and LW-STM for studying wavefunction dynamics.
- Paved the way for investigating quantum phenomena within atoms, molecules, and solids at the atomic level.
Related Concept Videos
04:08The Uncertainty Principle
Werner Heisenberg considered the limits of how accurately one can measure properties of an electron or other microscopic particles. He determined that there is a fundamental limit to how accurately one can measure both a particle’s position and its momentum simultaneously. The more accurate the measurement of the momentum of a particle is known, the less accurate the position at that time is known and vice versa. This is what is now called the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. He mathematically...
01:22Motion Of A Charged Particle In A Magnetic Field
A charged particle experiences a force when moving through a magnetic field. Consider the field to be uniform and the charged particle to move perpendicular to it. If the field is in a vacuum, the magnetic field is the dominant factor determining the motion. Since the magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of motion, a charged particle follows a curved path. The particle continues to follow this curved path until it forms a complete circle. Another way to look at this is that the...
01:17Space-Time Curvature and the General Theory of Relativity
In 1905, Albert Einstein published his special theory of relativity. According to this theory, no matter in the universe can attain a speed greater than the speed of light in a vacuum, which thus serves as the speed limit of the universe.
This has been verified in many experiments. However, space and time are no longer absolute. Two observers moving relative to one another do not agree on the length of objects or the passage of time. The mechanics of objects based on Newton's laws of motion,...
This has been verified in many experiments. However, space and time are no longer absolute. Two observers moving relative to one another do not agree on the length of objects or the passage of time. The mechanics of objects based on Newton's laws of motion,...
01:23Equilibrium Conditions for a Particle
When an object is in equilibrium, it is either at rest or moving with a constant velocity. There are two types of equilibrium: static and dynamic. Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest, while dynamic equilibrium occurs when an object is moving with a constant velocity. In both cases, there must be a balance of forces acting on the object.
To understand the concept of equilibrium, let us first consider the forces acting on an object. When different forces act on an object, they can...
To understand the concept of equilibrium, let us first consider the forces acting on an object. When different forces act on an object, they can...
01:27π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview
An applied magnetic field causes loosely bound π-electrons in organic molecules to circulate, producing a local or induced diamagnetic field over a large spatial volume. As the molecules tumble in solution, the field generated by π-electrons in spherical substituents results in a zero net field. However, the net field generated by π-electrons in non-spherical substituents is not zero. The effect of this induced field depends on the orientation of the molecule with respect to B0, resulting in...
02:32The de Broglie Wavelength
In the macroscopic world, objects that are large enough to be seen by the naked eye follow the rules of classical physics. A billiard ball moving on a table will behave like a particle; it will continue traveling in a straight line unless it collides with another ball, or it is acted on by some other force, such as friction. The ball has a well-defined position and velocity or well-defined momentum, p = mv, which is defined by mass m and velocity v at any given moment. This is the typical...