Dr. Bucksbaum studies time-dependent quantum processes in atoms and molecules, from the passage of electrons across atoms in a few hundred attoseconds (billionths of a billionth of a second), to the bending and breaking of molecular bonds during collisions or chemical reactions in a few picoseconds (millionths of a millionth of a second). These observations are made using novel laser sources, some of which are unique to Stanford. The world’s first X-ray free electron laser at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory began to operate in 2009.  It allows them to view atomic motion on the atomic time scale in both space and time for the first time.

Current areas of focus:

• Attosecond Physics
• Ultrafast Quantum Control of Molecular Processes
• Strong Field laser-matter interactions