For centuries, the observation and study of rapid motion have driven humanity’s understanding of natural phenomena and promoted scientific advancement. Attosecond light pulse technology, a “high-speed camera” for observing the microscopic world, enables to capture ultra-fast processes such as electron movement or energy changes, marking great significance in advancing scientific progress.
On November 11, the 21st edition of the ShanghaiTech Lecture welcomed a distinguished speaker: Pierre Agostini, 2023 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics and Emeritus Professor at the Ohio State University. Hosted by Vice President Jiang Ge, Agostini’s lecture on attosecond pulse research attracted an audience of over 300 attendees from both within and beyond ShanghaiTech. Agostini is renowned for his contributions to the field of ultrafast laser science. His lecture shared insights into his groundbreaking work and the field’s transformative potential.
In his talk, titled “From photoionization delays to atomic photography: Genesis and applications of attosecond pulses,” Agostini introduced his two major breakthroughs: the discovery of the above-threshold ionization (ATI) phenomenon in 1979 and the successful measurement of attosecond pulse width in 2001. He also reviewed the development of attosecond pulse technology, discussing the application prospects in fields such as medicine and materials science, while underscoring the value of patience and perseverance in scientific inquiry. “Scientific research is like a marathon,” Agostini remarked, “requiring continuous persistence and an enduring curiosity about the unknown.” His pioneering work and humble approach have not only advanced scientific research but also set an inspiring example for the next generation of researchers.
During the Q&A session, Agostini answered questions on topics ranging from the practical applications of attosecond pulses to the future of laser physics. He encouraged young scholars to innovate and think critically, emphasizing that “scientific progress requires the continuous efforts and exploration of each generation.” In closing, Party Secretary Li Ruxin presented Agostini with a ShanghaiTech Lecture certificate, expressing the university’s gratitude for his insightful presentation.
Pierre Agostini was born in Tunisia on 23 July, 1941. He earned his doctoral degree from Université Aix-Marseille in 1968. After the completion of his degree, he became a researcher at CEA Saclay, where he stayed until 2003. He settled at Ohio State University in 2005 as Professor of Physics. He is an Emeritus Professor at Ohio State University since 2018.