The innovations in the information and communication technology (ICT) are driven by the demand for faster data transfer and higher electric efficiency for signal processing technologies. The operation of contemporary computing devices relies on managing charge transport using electric fields generated by applied voltages. In such electronic devices the voltage switching is performed at GHz frequencies. Concurrently, pulsed light sources of controllable electric field waveforms are proven capable to drive electronic currents in various solids at PHz. Can we exploit the full potential of light-driven currents and shift the paradigm of computing towards PHz frequencies?

In Femtolab.hu at HUN-REN Wigner we already routinely operate electronic junctions where PHz currents are driven by the light field. In our research, we have pushed the energy demands of such a switch, demonstrating an operation in sub-nJ light pulse energy regime. Yet, turning this to a useful device requires a deeper understanding of the energy flow between light and medium and finding the right material that will enable energy efficient PHz devices.

In the next four years of NKKP Starting project called ASPIC, we are going to employ methods of time-domain spectroscopy and spatially resolved attosecond spectroscopy to obtain a detailed picture about mechanism of PHz current driving. We will explore possibilities of transporting PHz signals and by researching materials at microscopic scale we will define a PHz wire with its prospect to become a building block of a new era optoelectronic devices in ICT.