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Wait a minute…

Gabriel Makhoul

 … and sixty quintillion attoseconds pass. That is a number approximately equal to sixty times the number of seconds that have passed since the beginning of the universe.  


 While this may just seem like a “fun” (not really) fact with big words that is ultimately unimportant to anyone, attoseconds were key to the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to physicists Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier "for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter," and because they "have given humanity new tools for exploring the world of electrons inside atoms.” In this article we will discuss a) what this means and what the three physicists have done to warrant the Nobel and b) ways their discoveries could be impactful in the future, even in “everyday life”.


Image: Comparison of an attosecond, second and approximate age of the universe, Arstechnica.com

However, before we get to actually covering these two topics, we need to define an attosecond, as it is key to understanding the whole subject. An attosecond is a unit of time equal to 1×10-18 seconds, that is, in daily language, one quintillionth of a second. That means one billion billion attoseconds pass every second. Why is this even a thing? Because it’s the timescale at which electrons (hopefully we don’t need to define what they are) and other subatomic particles work. For example, it takes an electron about 320 attoseconds to jump from one atom to another, or about 150 attoseconds to move around the nucleus of a hydrogen atom. As such, attoseconds are quite useful as a measure of these very quick and small processes happening everywhere all the time.


Image: Ferenc Krausz, Anne L’Huillier, Pierre Agostini (left to right), Nature.com

 With this definition in mind, we can return to the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics. As stated before, it was awarded "for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.” Knowing what an attosecond is, this description starts making more sense. Their research made it possible for us to observe the behavior of electrons, which was impossible before. This is because they were able to experimentally come up with pulses of light so short they exist at the attosecond level, so we can now study electrons from up close by observing their interactions with the light. Since electrons are everywhere and are a fundamental particle that is responsible for things like chemical bonds, this could have a profound impact in the future.


This all began with Anne L’Huillier’s research in the late eighties, where she transmitted infrared laser waves through noble gasses. The infrared light passing through the gas produced much higher frequencies due to how the photons in the light interacted with the electrons of the gas. In the nineties a theoretical framework for this was worked out, but it wasn’t until later that the other two physicists’ contributions came.


In 2001, Pierre Agostini managed to succeed in turning Anne L’Huillier’s discovery into attosecond-short pulses experimentally, also developing a technique to measure how long the pulses last and to confirm that they indeed exist in the attosecond range. In the same year, Krausz worked on developing individual short pulses, as they originally only came in quick succession and were thus useless for any measurements. Moreover, using his laser technology, he managed to create a pulse that only lasted 650 attoseconds, being the first person to create one that lasted less than 1000 attoseconds.


In the following years, Krausz applied his discoveries to studying various phenomena related to electron interactions much closer, which, as stated already, had been impossible before. For example, he measured the speed of the photoelectric effect, which is the process of light ripping electrons off an atom.


While this all may still seem far removed from daily life, the implications are potentially profound. These methods could be very useful in medicine, for example, used to excite molecules in blood in order to detect very small changes and diagnose diseases such as cancer at a very early stage depending on the infrared light they emit. There are also applications in chemistry and biology, where attosecond pulses of light could be used to investigate processes involved in photosynthesis, etc. on a very small scale.

 


Pitruzzello, G. “A Bright Future for Attosecond Physics,” Nature.com, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-022-01031-w


Krausz, F., Corkum, P. “Attosecond Science,” Nature.com

https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys620


Lawler, D. “What Are Attoseconds? Nobel-winning Physics Explained.” Phys.org, https://phys.org/news/2023-10-attoseconds-nobel-winning-physics.html


Davis, N. “Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Three Scientists for Work on Electrons,” The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/oct/03/nobel-prize-in-physics-awarded-to-three-scientists-for-work-on-electrons


Ouellette, J. “A New Time Window: Meet the Winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics,” Arstechnica.org, https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/10/nobel-prize-in-physics-honors-attosecond-pulses-to-study-electrons/


Castelvecchi D. “Physicists Who Built Fast “attosecond” Lasers win Nobel Prize,” Nature.com, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03047-w

Events and us

Martin Šelle

Ostrava is at first sight a bit of a vague city but under the all-surrounding fog, you can find kind and willing people. It would be a shame not to meet them. Here's a list of four events you shouldn’t miss.

Polské dny v Ostravě 2023

I know you all go there for shopping - but wouldn't you like to know a bit more about Poland? If the answer is yes, then this event is just for you. Polské dny v Ostravě is happening from the 18th October to the 12th November.


And here's everything to expect: Talk shows with interesting people from Poland, culture enhancing exhibitions, traditional movies and music, and as always, traditional food. This event will not only teach you about Poland but it will also bring you closer to our already-so-close neighbors.


Image: Polské dny v Ostravě, Ostravainfo.cz

Karin Lednická - Šikmý kostel

 Karin Lednická is one of the best Czech writers. She writes about our region with such a passion only a Silesian like her could do it. And that's why you shouldn't miss any of her books. But maybe you are not one for reading, which is where Divadlo Petra Bezruče comes in with their theater version of Šikmý Kostel, her book about common people in an uncommon time. 

Ms. Lednická herself was part of the script creation - now it's up to you whether you read it or you see it. The play is performed the whole month.

 Image: Karin Lednická: Šikmý Kostel, Ostravainfo.cz


"The plot of the novel spans nearly three decades, and although it essentially focuses on several key personalities, it is colorful and elaborated with creative imagination and erudition. The narrative about a world where coal dust blends with the scent of blooming meadows has the same power as the indomitable women who are the main heroines."-Alena Slezáková, MfD


Prodaná nevěsta

 The most popular Czech national opera is coming back to Divadlo Antonína Dvořáka. Orchestral music, an incredible story and characters, all in a feast of a comedic opera piece for your eyes and ears. 

  Image: Prodaná Nevěsta,  Filmovyprehled.cz 

Česká kletba

 Based on The Irish Curse written by Martin Casella, the Mír Theater has created a new play, Česká Kletba (lit. "The Czech Curse"). You will experience a story about four men who go for confession to church and learn about their problems. Will they resolve them or will they stay under the Czech Curse? And more importantly - are you under the Czech Curse?


 Image: Česká kletba 1 - read trial, author: Jan Lipovský, Divadlomir.cz

 

Černá louka s.r.o. „Polské dny v Ostravě 2023,”  https://www.ostravainfo.cz/cz/akce/festivaly/161155-polske-dny-v-ostrave-2023.html¨


Černá louka s.r.o. ,,Karin Lednická - Šikmý kostel,”  https://www.ostravainfo.cz/cz/akce/divadlo/161478-karin-lednicka-sikmy-kostel.html


Černá louka s.r.o.  ,,Bedřich Smetana - Prodaná nevěsta,”  https://www.ostravainfo.cz/cz/akce/divadlo/160019-bedrich-smetana-prodana-nevesta.html¨


Černá louka s.r.o., ,,Česká kletba,”  https://www.ostravainfo.cz/cz/akce/divadlo/161545-ceska-kletba.html


ČTK,  ,,Absolutním vítězem ceny Audiokniha roku 2020 je román Šikmý kostel,Seznam.cz, 

https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/absolutnim-vitezem-ceny-audiokniha-roku-2020-je-roman-sikmy-kostel-155505


Zavřelová M. ,,Knihou roku je Šikmý kostel od Karin Lednické, rozhodli čtenáři v anketě,”  MAFRA, a. s., 

https://www.idnes.cz/kultura/literatura/kniha-roku-2020-karin-lednicka-sikmy-kostel.A201014_110616_literatura_kiz


Filmovyprehled.cz, „Prodaná Nevěsta,” https://www.filmovyprehled.cz/cs/film/397091/prodana-nevesta


Divadlomir.cz, ,,Česká kletba,” https://www.divadlomir.cz/repertoar/ceska-kletba-17#lg=1&slide=2

 

From A to Z with Ms. Humeníková

 Elen Michalíková

 October is here and that means a new From A to Z! This time with our history and Czech teacher, Ms. Humeníková.


Accomplishment… To inspire young people.

Believe… In good values.

Coffee… A speciality coffee for me please! Doppio always wins.

Dancing… Like a crazy person in a living room! 

Earth… Is full of adventures! 

Family or friends… Are like plants, you have to water them to make them grow.

Guilty pleasure… Vinegar chips and Reese’s!

High School… Gymnázium in Jeseník! 

Identity… I see myself lying in the grass with the book on the hill I climbed.

Just… Do not take yourself so seriously.

Kindness… Is more than being fair (my beloved quote from the book “Wonder boy”).

Laugh… All the bizarre incidents that I encounter on a daily basis.

Mountains… Always Jeseníky! But every mountain brings peace into my soul…

Nation… Is a construct! We are all the same… but different!

Ocean… Icy, dark and deep, hiding many secrets…

People… I have learned that I do not have to ask for them. If they do not want me in their life, I gladly open the door for them!

Queen… I want to break free!

Running… Obsession or hobby?

Summer… With a book and espresso tonic!

Time… I am still learning that doing nothing can be a time well spent.

Underrated… All movies about love with a happy ending!

(la) Vie… Is beautiful when you have good music, coffee, a book and a nice view!

Whenever I’m sad I… Cuddle my dog or my Patrick (similar feelings) or go for a run.

Xantippa… Hope I never become one! 

You… Are a special and beautiful person :)

Z (Generation)… I am a Millennial but with the soul of an old person.

SOMETHING… There is always something going on, but don’t worry, you will sort it out later :)… To inspire young people.



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something. October 2023, cover

cover

something. October 2023, editorial

editorial

something. October 2023, Our crew

Our crew

something. October 2023, richard

richard

something. October 2023, kerem

kerem

something. October 2023, gabriel

gabriel

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martin

something. October 2023, Elen

Elen

something. October 2023, karolina

karolina

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marek

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