Work

Nonlinear light–matter interaction at terahertz frequencies

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Strong optical pulses at mid-infrared and terahertz frequencies have recently emerged as powerful tools to manipulate and control the solid state and especially complex condensed matter systems with strongly correlated electrons. The recent developments in high-power sources in the 0.1–30 THz frequency range, both from table-top laser systems and from free-electron lasers, have provided access to excitations of molecules and solids, which can be stimulated at their resonance frequencies. Amongst these, we discuss free electrons in metals, superconducting gaps and Josephson plasmons in layered superconductors, and vibrational modes of the crystal lattice (phonons), as well as magnetic excitations. This review provides an overview and illustrative examples of how intense terahertz transients can be used to resonantly control matter, with particular focus on strongly correlated electron systems and high-temperature superconductors.

Source: Advances in Optics and Photonics

DOI: 10.1364/aop.8.000401

Authors: Daniele Nicoletti, Andrea Cavalleri

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Laser-Matter Interactions and Applications

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, European Research Council, Seventh Framework Programme

Awards: G1926790329, G213344254