The 2023 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics at the ICMM | COLLOQUIA
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for their outstanding contributions to the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. While Brus and Ekimov are recognized for their pioneering roles in the initial discovery and characterization of these structures, Bawendi has been honored for his notable work in the controlled colloidal synthesis. His innovative approach is particularly relevant at the ICMM, where active efforts are underway to harness the properties of colloidal nanocrystals for the development of new applications, theme that Beatriz H. Juárez told about.
On the other hand, the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L'Huillier in recognition of their experimental contributions to creating and characterizing the shortest light pulses ever produced. These experiments have given rise to a new field of study where the dynamics of electrons are observed and controlled on their own minuscule time scale, namely, the attosecond. From the ICMM, Rui Silva and Álvaro Jiménez shared their expertise in this fascinating field, bringing the audience closer to the most important experiments and concepts in attosecond physics for atoms and molecules, and showcasing how the application of such light pulses in quantum materials is paving a new path towards ultra-fast manipulation of their properties.
