Scientists have found out how to turn pure light into matter for the very first time – after 80 years of trying.

The idea was first dreamt up in 1934 by two physicists, but they never expected anybody to be able to be able to physically demonstrate their prediction.

But researchers at Imperial College London say they have found a way to convert light into matter by using new equipment in the form of an extremely powerful high-intensity laser capable of speeding up electrons to just below the speed of light.