ALPI@Trento: the launch of a new initiative in Attosecond and Ultrafast Laser Physics

Abstract

Ultrafast science has transformed our understanding of the microscopic world, revealing how processes occurring on ultrashort timescales govern the properties and functions of matter. From vision and photosynthesis to DNA damage, these insights have also inspired artificial systems with applications in medicine, energy, and electronics.
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics recognized attosecond science as a major breakthrough, opening the way to observing and controlling electron dynamics on their natural timescale. By “playing” with electrons using ultrashort light pulses, we are entering a new era of light-driven control of matter.
This workshop marks the launch of the Attosecond and Ultrafast Laser Physics Initiative (ALPI) in Trento. Bringing together new laboratories hosting a state-of-the-art ultrafast lasers facility, advanced theoretical modelling, and a strong international network—including a joint laboratory at CFEL in Hamburg—ALPI will develop new approaches to controlling light-induced quantum phenomena in matter, from chemical reactivity to quantum-material functionalities.
The initiative will be coordinated by Prof. Francesca Calegari, who recently joined the Department of Physics at the University of Trento. ALPI will provide a scientific home for her recently awarded ERC Synergy Grant IDEAA – “Imaging the Dynamics of Electrons at Attosecond and Ångstrom Resolution”, carried out together with scientists at DESY.  The project will further strengthen the scientific connection between Trento and Hamburg and contribute to establishing a leading international hub for attosecond and ultrafast science.
ALPI aims to develop new tools to control matter with light, with applications ranging from chemical reactivity and quantum materials to emerging technologies in quantum information and sensing, sustainable energy, spintronics, and drug synthesis.

Program

14:00 | Saluto Istituzionale

Flavio Deflorian, Rettore dell'Università di Trento

Interventi

• Gianluca Lattanzi, Direttore uscente del Dipartimento di Fisica
• Giovanni Andrea Prodi, Direttore del Dipartimento di Fisica
• Marco Dorigatti, Dirigente Divisione Patrimonio Immobiliare

14:30 | Stefano Fabris, Direttore del Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Tecnologie della Materia, CNR  - "TBC on the relevance for CNR to open ultrafast facility @Trento"
14:45 | Francesca Calegari, prof.ssa Università di Trento e DESY-Hamburg - "Introducing ALPI@Trento: A New Hub for Attosecond and Ultrafast Laser Science"

15:05 | Britta Redlich, Direttrice della Photon Science Division, DESY

Discussione

15:45 | Coffe break

16:15 | Approfondimenti scientifici e ulteriore contesto internazionale

16:45 | Caterina Vozzi, Direttrice dell'Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, CNR - "Ultrafast and Attosecond Science at CNR-IFN: Expertise and Collaboration Prospects"
17:05 | Claudio Masciovecchio, Direttore del FERMI, Elettra Sicrotrone Trieste

17:25 | Matteo Calandra Buonaura, prof. Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Trento