Researchers observed a hidden state triggered by light forming within 30 femtoseconds.

A pulse of light sent a metal-organic framework into a hidden electronic state in just 30 femtoseconds. By watching the transformation almost as it happened, researchers uncovered a fleeting intermediate stage that appears to guide the material into its new state.

The work was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Tohoku University, and Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan. Combining ultrafast laser spectroscopy with theoretical calculations allowed them to identify the transient electronic state and clarify its role in the rapid transition. The results could improve efforts to control material properties using light.