Several atoseconds to jump from one atom to another
2005/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
An electron needs 320 atoseconds to jump from a sulfur atom to a ruthenium atom, according to the work of a group of physicists. The experiment was conducted by German physicists, while the theoretical calculations needed by the experiment were performed by physicists from the International Physics Center in San Sebastian. So far there has been no way to measure such a short time. Keep in mind that in a second there is an atosecond trillion.
Other processes that occur at the atoms level are approximately one thousand times slower and have been measured by lasers that emit femtosecond pulses. The femtosecond is also a very short period of time, but it is a thousand times greater than the atosecond. However, electron transfer is faster, so they have needed a more accurate clock to measure it. To act as clocks the electrons of the sulfur atom itself have been used, which has allowed them to know that the jump from one atom to another occurs in 320 atoseconds.
This data is useful for investigating any electron transfer
process. Electricity is a good example, as it is the movement of electrons. In addition, the study of nanotechnology is a breakthrough and, as far as nature is concerned, researchers cite photosynthesis as an example, since its key is the ability to move atoms to atoms electrons within the chlorophyll molecule.
