Tailoring the field waveform of light: New routes to trace and to control electron dynamics of matter in real time

Tracing and controlling the dynamics of electrons inside atoms, molecules or solids as they occur in real time resides at the forefront of modern science. This report discusses how recent advances in the synthesis and control of light field set the stage to quantum controlling electrons on their native (attosecond) time scale. These developments hold the promise for new, fundamental insights into the inner workings of the microcosm and form the basis for light-based electronic and photonic devices operating at PHz rates.