Their attosecond system involves a powerful laser split into two components: a fast electron pulse and two ultrashort light pulses. The first light pulse, called the pump pulse, energizes a sample, triggering electron movement or other rapid changes. The second pulse, known as the optical gating pulse, creates a brief window to generate a single attosecond electron pulse. The timing of this gating pulse determines the image resolution. By precisely synchronizing these pulses, researchers can control when the electron pulses probe the sample, allowing them to observe ultrafast atomic-level processes.
Each time we peer into the quantum world we do a shit load of what is called Fundamental Research. This fundamental research leads to new discoveries in our understanding of quantum physics which then leads on to commercial research to apply these new discoveries to engineer new things.
What this new tool does is unlock a whole new batch of fundamental research that can be done which in turn will advance what we can build on top of it.
So, in gaming terms, we’re upgrading our gear to kill stronger bosses?
I would say instead: we unlocked a new research tree. We still need to research it, and once it’s done, new gear will be available to buy.
Essentially, yes.
In Minecraft this is the equivalent of crafting a hoe which unlocks the whole of agriculture in the game.
Nobody knows what discoveries we’ll make and what will grow from these discoveries. Exciting times.