Physicists create 3D light fields to steer electrons into new quantum states

Physicists at the University of Oldenburg superimposed two ultrashort laser pulses converging from different directions to generate three-dimensional light fields. The method pushes electrons into quantum states previously beyond experimental reach.

• Two ultrashort laser pulses were superimposed from different directions
• The team generated three-dimensional light fields
• Electrons reach quantum states previously beyond experimental reach