Sub-cycle phase-resolved attosecond interferometry is developed. The obtained phase information enables us to decouple the multiple quantum paths induced in a light-driven system, isolating their coherent contribution and retrieving their temporal evolution.

Using spin-5/2 nuclei of ¹⁷³Yb atoms trapped in an optical lattice, a Schrödinger-cat state persists for a coherence time of 1.4 × 10³â€‰s. In measuring external magnetic fields, the cat state exhibits a sensitivity approaching the Heisenberg limit.

Researchers use a DNA-mediated approach for the programmable assembly of octahedron-shaped plasmonic gold nanocrystals into nonlinear optical metacrystals. A maximum second-harmonic generation conversion efficiency of 10^−9 is demonstrated.

Tabletop, water-window X-rays are generated using free-electron-driven van der Waals materials. The X-ray energy from the source can be tuned across the water window, and the established fundamental scaling laws for the tunable photon flux may enable the design of powerful emitters based on free-electron-driven quantum materials.

Researchers demonstrate optical weights for in-memory photonic computing using magneto-optic memory cells comprising Ce:YIG on silicon micro-ring resonators. Non-reciprocal phase shift provides a fast, efficient and robust integrated optical processing platform.

Near-petahertz electric field detection of few-femtosecond pulses with a temporal resolution of 200 attoseconds and subfemtojoule sensitivity is experimentally demonstrated, paving the path towards high-resolution biological spectro-microscopy.

Nature Photonics spoke with Hatice Altug, from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Thomas Krauss, from the University of York, and Malini Olivo from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) about optical biosensors and their prospects and challenges for clinical translation.

Photonics can play a pivotal role in bringing time crystals to the domain of optical ‘timetronics’ — an information and data technology that relies on the unique functionalities of this sophisticated yet esoteric state of matter.

The mitigation of climate change requires major transformations in the ways we generate energy and operate technologies that release carbon dioxide. Photonic concepts and novel light-driven technologies provide many potential solutions, transforming our current modes of energy use into more effective and sustainable ones.

Nathalie Picqué, the new director at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) in Berlin, Germany, tells us all we need to know about frequency combs and dual-comb spectroscopy, and shares with us some golden tips on becoming a successful scientist.

Joseph Izatt’s work advanced the science of imaging in biophotonics and brought optical coherence tomography imaging to the eye care of infants and children and, as live feedback for the surgeon, to ophthalmic microsurgery.

Following first lasing at LCLS-II — a coherent X-ray laser source driven by a 700-m superconducting linear accelerator — several upgrades are already in the works. Nature Photonics spoke to LCLS director Mike Dunne about LCLS-II commissioning hurdles as well as future plans.