# Ultrafast lasers for attosecond science

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of ultrafast lasers used to generate attosecond pulses and their impact on attosecond science.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution and future trends of driving lasers in attosecond science.

## Key findings

- The pulse width of attosecond pulses has decreased from 650 to 43 as since 2001.
- Advancements in driving lasers have enabled higher flux, photon energy, and repetition rates.
- Future attosecond science applications require improved laser performance.

## Abstract

The first measurement of attosecond pulses in 2001 unleashed a new wave of exploration in the microcosmic world. The pulse width has since shrunk from an initial 650 to 43 as, and the flux, photon energy, and repetition rates have progressively been raised. The performance of attosecond pulses hinges upon the driving lasers, whose rapid development underlaid many advancements of attosecond technology. Yet the expansion of new applications in attosecond science demands driving lasers with ever better performance. Beginning with the fundamental principles of attosecond pulse generation and applications, this article reviews the evolution and trend of the driving lasers in terms of pulse energy, pulse width, wavelength, and repetition rate.