Direct Observation of Lightwave-Driven Currents in Conventional and Quantum Insulators
Abstract
The goal of this proposal is to investigate the physics of electronic interactions during and following strong-field photoexcitation, with the goal of time-domain classification and control of many-body nonequilibrium dynamics in materials driven by intense, low-frequency laser pulses. By leveraging recent advances in few-cycle mid-infrared laser technology and attosecond spectroscopy, the PI will develop a novel experimental program in which time-resolved optical and photoelectron spectroscopies with sub-cycle time resolution are used to disentangle the microscopic origins behind semiconductor dephasing, optical field-driven currents, and lightwave-induced insulator-to-metal phase transitions in quantum materials driven with intense, long-wavelength femtosecond pulses. The experiments will be supported by Senior Personnel with expertise in nano-scale devices and 2D materials, advanced theory, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and by existing collaborations for high-quality epitaxial film growth and model simulations. The outcomes of this research will advance knowledge of electron-electron interactions in materials, and will provide new platforms for time-resolved measurement and control of quantum materials properties, as well as for next-generation few-cycle mid-infrared sources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010284
Entities
People
- Michael Chini
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Central Florida Board of Trustees