Fieldoscopy at the quantum limit
Abstract
We demonstrate a novel concept for measuring time-varying electric field transients of petahertz-scale photons down to a single-photon regime. We observe a clear breakdown of the classical regime consistent with our Monte Carlo model. We reach unprecedented yoctojoule-level (10⁻²⁴ J) sensitivity and a dynamic range exceeding 90 decibels. We utilize this capability to measure intrapulse light coherence - a regime inaccessible to conventional, time-averaged spectroscopy. This opens new avenues for quantum information, cryptography, and quantum light-matter interactions on sub-cycle time scales with attosecond precision.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies
Quantum optics and atomic interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Light Science & Applications
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 110–110
- Publication date
- 9 February 2026
- Language
- EN