Light-wave driven charge- and spin dynamics

Description

Ultrafast coherent electron and spin dynamics in solids In electronics, functionality is achieved by switching between electronic states of matter by applying external electric or magnetic fields. Strong couplings in-between charge carriers and to the crystal lattice conspire to randomize energies and momenta extremely fast and efficiently, leaving little room for coherent manipulation. However, the prospects of coherent control protocols as demonstrated in isolated atomic systems are alluring and contemporary ultrafast laser sources might be a new ingredient to overcome this entrapment. This talk will discuss two experiments demonstrating that single cycle optical fields at optical frequencies allow manipulating electronic and spin degrees of freedom in solid state systems at optical clock rates faster than de-coherence. Ultrafast bidirectional energy transfer between a light-field and the band-structure of silica proves the early times reversibility of electronic excitations and holds promise of novel ultrafast, coherent optoelectronic applications1. As a corollary of this ultrafast coherent modification of the electronic system, in suitably chosen herterostructures also the spin system can be manipulated coherently. Optically induced spin transfer is demonstrated as a route to the direct, all-optical manipulation of macroscopic magnetic moments on previously inaccessible attosecond timescales2. 1. Sommer, A. et al. Attosecond nonlinear polarization and light–matter energy transfer in solids. Nature 534, 86–90 (2016). 2. Siegrist, F. et al. Light-wave dynamic control of magnetism. Nature 571, 240–244 (2019).

Period	16 Nov 2020 → 19 Nov 2020
Event title	22nd International Conference on Ultrafast Phenomena: UP 2020
Event type	Conference
Conference number	22
Location	Virtual, Washington, United StatesShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International