The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded today to three scientists for their technique to create light pulses that last only ‘attoseconds’ – one billionth of a billionth of a second.
Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier have demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy.
The electron is one of the three basic subatomic particles – along with protons and neutrons – that make up atoms, the fundamental building blocks of all matter.
It is common for several scientists working in related fields to share the prize, which includes £841,000 ($1.14 million) and a gold medal.
The Nobel Prize in Physics is one of the most prestigious prizes in science and has historically been honored for discoveries about fundamental natural forces and cosmic phenomena.
The prize is awarded ‘for groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of complex physical systems.’
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced its newest recipient on Tuesday at 10:45 BST (05:45 EDT) from the beautiful Session Hall in Stockholm.
It is common for several scientists working in related fields to share the prize, which includes £841,000 ($1.14 million) and a gold medal.
More to follow