Researchers Achieve Record Intensity X-Ray Pulse Output
The 300-attosecond pulses enable new studies into nonlinear interactions between matter and high-intensity radiation.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Physics
Live Poll
Do you believe funding for fundamental physics research is a good use of national resources?
Researchers at the European XFEL achieved a record peak X-ray intensity of 10^20 watts per square centimeter using 300-attosecond pulses in April 2026. This experimental milestone demonstrates the capability to focus X-rays into a 180 by 330 nanometer spot using an advanced optical system.
Why it matters
This achievement allows for the exploration of highly nonlinear interactions between X-rays and matter at unprecedented energy densities. Reaching this intensity threshold provides a new tool for studying fundamental physical processes that were previously inaccessible.
The experiment achieved a peak intensity of 10^20 watts per square centimeter by focusing X-rays into a 180 by 330 nanometer spot. These parameters were verified by observing amplified spontaneous emission in copper foil, representing a significant concentration of energy.
The players
European XFEL
A major international research facility that generates intense X-ray pulses for investigations into matter at the atomic level.
Optica
A peer-reviewed scientific journal covering fundamental and applied research in optics and photonics.
The details
The researchers employed an advanced Kirkpatrick-Baez optical system, which uses two mirrors to focus light vertically and horizontally. By reflecting an X-ray pulse four times through this precise mirror arrangement, the beam was compressed into a focal spot roughly 100,000 times smaller than the cross-section of a human hair. This concentrated pulse duration lasted only 300 attoseconds—a billionth of a billionth of a second—allowing for extremely high power density.
Timeline
The experiment was conducted in April 2026.
Results were published in the journal Optica in October 2026.
The European XFEL expects delivery of its own permanent AKB optical system in early 2027.
The Tech Race
This development moves the European XFEL toward a permanent high-intensity capability, positioning it to lead in nonlinear X-ray physics. The facility is currently building on these experimental results to deploy its own custom AKB optical system by early 2027.
While this experimental technique is currently restricted to high-energy physics facilities, it establishes the methodology for future precision measurement tools. Researchers in materials science and ultrafast chemistry are the primary community expected to utilize this capability in upcoming experiments.
The takeaway
This experiment proves that attosecond pulses can be focused to intensities capable of driving new physical interactions. Researchers should track the European XFEL's planned 2027 installation to see if these record-setting intensities become a standard operating capability.
What happens next
The European XFEL is scheduled to receive its own advanced Kirkpatrick-Baez optical system in early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more breakthroughs in Physics regarding the manipulation of light and matter.
More information
View the original research publication for technical specs on the experiment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Informationdienst Wissenschaft e.V. - idw.
Live Poll
Do you believe funding for fundamental physics research is a good use of national resources?
