An introductory textbook on attosecond and strong field physics, covering fundamental theory and modeling techniques, as well as future opportunities and challenges.

Due to the rapid progress in laser technology a wealth of novel fundamental and applied applications of lasers in atomic and plasma physics have become possible. This book focuses on the interaction of high intensity lasers with matter. It reviews the state of the art of high power laser sources, intensity laser-atom and laser-plasma interactions, laser matter interaction at relativistic intensities, and QED with intense lasers.

Attophysics is an emerging field in physics devoted to the study and characterization of matter dynamics in the sub-femtosecond time scale. This book gives coverage of a broad set of selected topics in this field, exciting by their novelty and their potential impact. The book is written review-like. It also includes fundamental chapters as introduction to the field for non-specialist physicists. The book is structured in four sections: basics, attosecond pulse technology, applications to measurements and control of physical processes and future perspectives. It is a valuable reference tool for researchers in the field as well as a concise introduction to non-specialist readers.

This book provides fundamental knowledge in the fields of attosecond science and free electron lasers, based on the insight that the further development of both disciplines can greatly benefit from mutual exposure and interaction between the two communities. With respect to the interaction of high intensity lasers with matter, it covers ultrafast lasers, high-harmonic generation, attosecond pulse generation and characterization. Other chapters review strong-field physics, free electron lasers and experimental instrumentation. Written in an easy accessible style, the book is aimed at graduate and postgraduate students so as to support the scientific training of early stage researchers in this emerging field. Special emphasis is placed on the practical approach of building experiments, allowing young researchers to develop a wide range of scientific skills in order to accelerate the development of spectroscopic techniques and their implementation in scientific experiments. The editors are managers of a research network devoted to the education of young scientists, and this book idea is based on a summer school organized by the ATTOFEL network.

Attosecond optical pulse generation, along with the related process of high-order harmonic generation, is redefining ultrafast physics and chemistry. A practical understanding of attosecond optics requires significant background information and foundational theory to make full use of these cutting-edge lasers and advance the technology toward the n

Probing and controlling electrons and nuclei in matter at the attosecond timescale became possible with the generation of attosecond pulses by few-cycle intense lasers, and has revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure and molecular processes. This book provides an intuitive approach to this emerging field, utilizing simplified models to develop a clear understanding of how matter interacts with attosecond pulses of light. An introductory chapter outlines the structure of atoms and molecules and the properties of a focused laser beam. Detailed discussion of the fundamental theory of attosecond and strong-field physics follows, including the molecular tunnelling ionization model (MO-ADK theory), the quantitative rescattering (QRS) model, and the laser induced electronic diffraction (LIED) theory for probing the change of atomic configurations in a molecule. Highlighting the cutting-edge developments in attosecond and strong field physics, and identifying future opportunities and challenges, this self-contained text is invaluable for students and researchers in the field.