At a special event at the Laser Research Center of the University of Szeged, unique Gömböc gifts were presented to Nobel laureates. The Gömböc is the first known convex, homogeneous object with only one stable and one unstable equilibrium point. Anne L’Huillier’s Gömböc features the number 170, honoring the 170 attosecond pulse achieved by the Lund group in 2004. Ferenc Krausz’s Gömböc displays the number 80, commemorating his 80 attosecond pulses from 2008, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.

The possibility of the Gömböc’s existence was first proposed in 1995 but only proven ten years later, similar to the discovery of attosecond pulses.

Szeged proudly celebrated Anne L’Huillier and Ferenc Krausz, who participated in the Attosecond Symposium and milestone unveiling at the ELI ALPS Laser Research Center. The event honored the greatest scientific achievements of recent years.

Anne L’Huillier, a professor at the Lund University Department of Atomic Physics, presented the lecture “The Road to Attosecond Pulses,” showcasing the field’s development and research results. She has a close professional relationship with the Szeged center, where she played a significant role in developing the Sylos GHHG laser.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for experimental methods that generate attosecond light pulses to study electron dynamics. Attosecond physics is a major focus of ELI ALPS’s research profile, highlighting significant advancements in the field.

The milestone not only honored the Nobel laureates but also marked an important event in the research center’s scientific history. Katalin Varjú, Scientific Director of ELI ALPS, expressed the honor of celebrating the Nobel-recognized achievements alongside a milestone of the research center.

Dr. Katalin Karikó, a key figure in mRNA-based vaccine research, also began her scientific career in Szeged. Her groundbreaking work in combating global pandemics underscores the crucial role of scientific research in addressing global challenges.

Szeged proudly welcomes the Nobel laureates who have contributed to the latest breakthroughs in science and the world-class operation of ELI ALPS. The event symbolizes the scientific community’s dedication to future research challenges.