Unprecedented control over electrons – with lasers and microwaves

Main topic of the Max Planck Research Group Ultrafast Quantum Optics, established in 2008 at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, is the control of free electrons with new methods. Recently the group succeeded in steering the emission of electrons from a metal nanotip by the application of ultrafast laser pulses. This is a first step towards the development of an attosecond field effect transistor. Using the technique of a "Paul trap" the group was able to capture free electrons by microwaves, and guide them along electrodes on planar substrates.