Revolutionizing Electronics: Laser-Controlled Attosecond Electron Emission from Nanometric Metal Tips

Researchers have measured the quantum dynamics of electron emission from solids with attosecond precision using two-colour modulation spectroscopy of backscattering electrons. The experiment measured photoelectron spectra of electrons emitted from a sharp metallic tip as a function of the relative phase between the two colours. The emission duration was found to be 710 ± 30 attoseconds, opening the door to the precise active control of strong-field photoemission from solid state and other systems.