FAST Course: Learn Attosecond Science & Technology | IIT Madras
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 18 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking the Secrets of the Attosecond: A Deep Dive into the FAST Course
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics shone a global spotlight on attosecond physics, a field that allows us to 'freeze' the motion of electrons inside atoms and molecules. For the first time in India, a comprehensive course is being offered to demystify this cutting-edge science. The Fundamentals of Attosecond Science and Technology (FAST) course, led by Prof. Sivarama Krishnan of IIT Madras, is a pioneering 12-week program designed to build a strong foundation in this revolutionary domain.
About the Course and Instructor
ABOUT THE COURSE: The FAST course presents a unified learning module on the fundamentals of attosecond science and technology. It focuses on achieving Unprecedented Temporal Resolution, enabling the Real-time Observation of Electron Dynamics, and exploring methods for Controlling Matter at the Atomic and Molecular Level. This course seamlessly blends core principles with the latest advancements, serving as a perfect platform for aspiring researchers.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Sivarama Krishnan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics and a member of the Quantum Center for Diamond and Emergent Materials at IIT Madras. With research interests in quantum and ultrafast laser-matter interaction, he brings immense expertise. His distinguished background includes co-leading a Max Planck Partner group and holding post-doctoral positions at TIFR and IBM, following his Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg.
Who Should Enroll?
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is tailored for Advanced undergraduate, Masters’, and PhD students in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, optoelectronics, and related areas.
PRE-REQUISITES: The course is designed to be accessible. Students from various engineering (electrical, electronics, photonics, mechanics) and science (especially physics) backgrounds will find it suitable. While basic knowledge of optics and electromagnetism is expected, the course will cover necessary requisites. Knowledge of quantum mechanics is advantageous but not essential.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The FAST course is meticulously structured to take learners from foundational concepts to the frontiers of attosecond science.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to light pulses and electromagnetic waves; Recap of differential equations and Fourier transforms. |
| Week 2 | Femtosecond laser pulse generation – methods and techniques; Metrology of femtosecond laser pulses. |
| Week 3 | Femtosecond laser systems – design and implementation; Primer on nonlinear optics. |
| Week 4 | Generation of few-cycle optical pulses; Carrier-envelope phase (CEP) and its measurement; Application to light-field driven electronics. |
| Week 5 | Interim review; Beyond perturbative nonlinear optics – multi-photon and tunnel-ionization. |
| Week 6 | Theoretical basis of strong-field physics; Basic concepts of high-harmonic generation and electron wavepackets. |
| Week 7 | High-order harmonic generation – genesis of attosecond pulse trains; Metrology using the RABBITT technique. |
| Week 8 | Theoretical treatment of the RABBITT technique; Generation of isolated attosecond pulses. |
| Week 9 | Streaking and metrology of isolated attosecond pulses; Application to chronoscopy - Time-delays in photoionization. |
| Week 10 | Coherent attosecond dynamics – Fano and Lorentz lineshapes; High-harmonic generation in solids. |
| Week 11 | Future directions – zeptosecond physics, free-electron lasers, and attosecond electron pulses. |
| Week 12 | Term paper and seminar presentations. |
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will gain:
- A solid understanding of the principles behind generating and measuring ultrafast femtosecond and attosecond laser pulses.
- Insight into strong-field physics and the process of high-harmonic generation, the key to attosecond science.
- Knowledge of advanced metrology techniques like RABBITT and Streaking for characterizing attosecond pulses.
- An overview of applications in observing and controlling electron dynamics in atoms, molecules, and solids.
- A vision of the future trajectory of the field, including zeptosecond science.
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
To complement the lectures, the following authoritative texts are recommended:
- Fundamentals of Attosecond Physics by Z. Chang (Cambridge University Press).
- Femtosecond Laser Pulses edited by J. -C. Rulliere (Springer).
- Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena by J. Diels and Rudolph (Wiley).
Why This Course is Essential
Attosecond science is no longer a niche field; it is a fundamental tool for probing the quantum mechanical underpinnings of chemistry, material science, and biology. The FAST course offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in India, providing the foundational knowledge required to contribute to future breakthroughs in ultrafast science and technology. Whether your goal is academic research or working at the forefront of photonic technologies, this course is your gateway to the attosecond world.
Enroll Now →