Record intensity achieved in attosecond hard-X-ray pulses at European XFEL

Researchers at European XFEL produced X-ray flashes with record intensity for attosecond pulses, focusing the light into a spot about 100,000 times smaller than the cross section of a human hair. The method could enable detailed studies of electron behavior in atoms and molecules and, in the long term, control of electrons during chemical reactions. The results of the April 2026 experiment were published in Optica.

• Experiment at European XFEL was conducted in April 2026
• Focus spot about 100,000 times smaller than a human hair's cross section
• Results published in the journal Optica
• Method could enable control of electrons in chemical reactions