SciTechDaily: New Method to Observe Chemical Reactions at Atomic Level, Caltech Device Controls Light with Light at Femtosecond Speeds

July 26, 2026

SciTechDaily USA

Overview

Scientists have proposed a novel method to observe chemical reactions at the atomic level in real-time, representing a groundbreaking advance in understanding reaction mechanisms. Separately, Caltech researchers have developed a device that controls light with light, redirecting beams at femtosecond speeds. This innovation has the potential to dramatically enhance the performance of optical communication and computing, driving advancements in both fundamental chemistry and high-speed information processing.

In Depth

Key Findings

The scientific community is at a groundbreaking stage with the proposal of new methods enabling real-time observation of chemical reactions at the atomic level, deepening our understanding of fundamental material transformation mechanisms. Concurrently, researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed an innovative device capable of precisely controlling and redirecting light beams on an extremely short, femtosecond timescale.

Technical / Clinical Details

The new method for observing chemical reactions at the atomic level integrates advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. This allows for capturing the dynamic behavior of reaction intermediates and transition states as movements of individual atoms and molecules. For example, processes such as molecular adsorption, bond formation, and desorption on catalyst surfaces can be visualized in unprecedented detail, contributing to the elucidation of reaction pathways and optimization of reaction efficiency. This technology will have direct applications in designing new catalysts and developing novel material synthesis strategies. Meanwhile, Caltech’s light-controlled device ingeniously utilizes nonlinear optical effects in specific materials (e.g., photonic crystals or metamaterials). A weak incoming light signal transiently alters the material’s optical properties, which in turn rapidly and precisely controls the path or focus of another strong light signal within femtoseconds (one-quadrillionth of a second). This dramatically improves the performance of fundamental components in optical communication and computing, such as optical switches, modulators, and routers. While traditional light control technologies have faced limitations in response speed, efficiency, or intensity tolerance, this new device achieves high levels in all these aspects simultaneously.

Background & Context

A fundamental understanding of chemical reactions underpins advancements in all scientific and technological fields, including drug development, new material design, and energy conversion technologies. Detailed observation at the atomic level has been a long-standing goal, but its technical difficulty has been extremely high. This recent proposal is a result of the convergence of computational chemistry and experimental techniques, expanding the frontiers of basic chemical research. Furthermore, optical communication and optical computing are core technologies supporting the infrastructure of the information society. With the explosive growth of data, there is a demand for faster and more efficient optical signal processing. Light control at the femtosecond scale has the potential to surpass the limits of current electronic circuits, making it an indispensable technology for building next-generation ultra-high-speed information processing systems.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The technology for observing chemical reactions at the atomic level will drive breakthroughs in many fields, including catalysis, surface chemistry, and materials science. It is expected to accelerate the development of more efficient chemical processes, materials with new functionalities, and environmentally friendly catalysts. Caltech’s light-controlled device will dramatically enhance the bandwidth and speed of optical communication networks, enabling terabit-level data transmission. In the field of optical computing, it will contribute to improved parallel processing capabilities and reduced power consumption, with the potential to accelerate AI and machine learning computations. These technologies, each contributing to fundamental scientific progress and practical technological innovation, are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future society.

Source: https://scitechdaily.com/caltechs-new-device-steers-light-with-light-at-mind-bending-speed/

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