Attomicroscopy imaging and control of electron motion in graphene

Abstract

Attosecond science has leveraged the highly nonlinear interactions between intense few-cycle laser pulses and matter, allowing for unprecedented observation and control of electron motion with remarkable temporal resolution. However, most existing experiments focusing on laser-controlled attosecond dynamics have dealt with quasi-bound electrons released in the ionization continua of atoms, molecules, or conduction bands in solid-state systems. Here, we employed the recently developed attomicroscopy imaging tool to investigate, visualize, and manipulate the motion of bound electrons in graphene. By adjusting the carrier-envelope phase and the field strength of the driving electric field, we were able to control both the amplitude and direction of the field-induced electron current between carbon atoms in graphene. This research opens new avenues for understanding and controlling dynamic, on-demand electron motion processes, including chemical reactions, molecular bonding, and the electronic properties of materials.