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

The event will be held in English

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 ajoint laboratory at DESY 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 | Formal Greeting

Flavio Deflorian, Rector of the University of Trento

Presentations

Giovanni Andrea Prodi, Head of the Department of Physics

14:25 | Stefano Fabris, Head of the Department of Physical Sciences and Materials Technology, CNR - "Connecting Science, Infrastructures and Communities: CNR in the Ultrafast Research Landscape"

14:40 | Francesca Calegari, Professor at the University of Trento and DESY, Hamburg - "Introducing ALPI@Trento: A New Hub for Attosecond and Ultrafast Laser Science"

15:00 | Britta Redlich, Head of the Photon Science Division, DESY, Hamburg - “DESY - a gateway to discovery by illuminating the ultra-fast”

Discussion

15:30 | Coffe break

16:00 | Caterina Vozzi, Director of the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnologies, CNR - “Ultrafast and Attosecond Science at CNR-IFN: Expertise and Collaboration Prospects”

16:25| Giulio Felice Nicola Cerullo Professor, Department of Physics, Politecnico of Milano "Ultrafast Optical Science at POLIMI: From Attoseconds to Photonic Frontiers"

16:50 | Claudio Masciovecchio, Director of FERMI, Elettra Synchrotron, Trieste - “Ultrafast Science at FERMI: From Current Capabilities to Future Opportunities”

17:15 | Matteo Calandra Buonaura, Professor, Department of Physics, University of Trento - “Modeling ultrafast phase transition from the attosecond to the picosecond scale"