picosecond

American  

[pee-kuh-sek-uhnd, pahy-] / ˈpi kəˌsɛk ənd, ˈpaɪ- /

noun

1. one trillionth of a second. ps, psec

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picosecond British  

/ ˈpaɪkəʊ-, ˈpiːkəʊˌsɛkənd /

noun

1. a million millionth of a second; 10 ^–12 second

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Etymology

Origin of picosecond

First recorded in 1965–70; pico- + second ²

Example Sentences

After knocking out an electron from the neon atom using soft X-rays, they followed how the system evolved for up to a picosecond, which is extremely long on an atomic timescale, before the decay occurred.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

To improve efficacy and reduce complications from such laser treatment, an Osaka Metropolitan University-led research group has developed an index of the threshold energy density, known as fluence, and the dependent wavelength for picosecond lasers.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024

Using a visible laser pulse to trigger the switch, they sent a strong electrical current pulse lasting just one picosecond through the material.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

“In every picosecond of time,” Zinner said, “the basal ganglia have to decide what is relevant, what not to block out so you can survive.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2018

It was a point of view that caused him to break ranks with the supercomputing nobility, who for decades focused on building machines that calculated at picosecond intervals.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2009