BACKGROUND The generation and control of coherent electromagnetic waves, such as
those provided by electronic oscillators in the radio frequency domain or lasers in the optical …

A laser frequency comb is a broad spectrum composed of equidistant narrow lines. Initially
invented for frequency metrology, such combs enable new approaches to spectroscopy over …

Optical elements that convert the spin angular momentum (SAM) of light into vortex beams
have found applications in classical and quantum optics. These elements—SAM-to–orbital …

Two decades after its invention, the classic self-referenced frequency comb laser is an
unrivalled ruler for frequency, time and distance metrology owing to the rigid spacing of its …

Laser frequency combs are coherent light sources that emit a broad spectrum of discrete,
evenly spaced narrow lines whose absolute frequency can be measured to within the …

Ultrafast processes in matter, such as the electron emission after light absorption, can now
be studied using ultrashort light pulses of attosecond duration (10− 18 seconds) in the …

Optical frequency combs serve as the clockwork of optical clocks, which are now the best
time-keeping systems in existence. The use of precise optical time and frequency …

Femtosecond mode-locked lasers producing visible/infrared frequency combs have steadily
advanced our understanding of fundamental processes in nature. For example, optical …

Advances in ultrafast lasers, chirped pulse amplifiers, and frequency comb technology
require fundamentally new pulse-modulation strategies capable of supporting …

This paper presents a review of the current state of the art in the research field of cold and
ultracold molecules. It serves as an introduction to the focus issue ofNew Journal of Physics …