Einstein’s photoelectric effect: The time it takes for an electron to be released

When light hits a material, electrons can be released from this material — the photoelectric effect. Although this effect played a major role in the development of the quantum theory, it still holds a number of secrets: To date it has not been clear how quickly the electron is released after the photon is absorbed. Researchers have now been able to find an answer to this mystery with the aid of a COLTRIMS reaction microscope: The emission takes place lightning fast, namely within just a few attoseconds.