Laser strums atoms trillions of times in search for better computers

Researchers have discovered a new method to induce terahertz (THz) frequency vibrations in a superlattice of platinum and copper atoms using laser pulses. This 'strain engineering' technique, driven by electron pressure rather than heat, allows for mechanical changes at the atomic level trillions of times per second. This breakthrough is crucial for developing faster and more efficient computers, particularly in fields like spintronics, and for creating advanced thermoacoustic metamaterials using scalable industrial processes like sputtering.