Behind the scenes of attosecond physics at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics are people probing into the mysteries of nature with passion, creativity and unconventional ideas. Students, ambitious young scientists and experienced researchers are all facing the same challenges in the Laboratory of Attosecond Physics (LAP). Just what drives them to explore the physics of ultrashort light pulses and research the microcosm? How did they get into quantum physics in the first place? And: What are their visions for the future?

Answers to these and other questions can be found on the following pages. In one-to-one interviews the scientists talk about their exciting work, their unusual career paths and the fresh ideas that will open up new horizons in the world of ultrashort light pulses in the coming years.