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Coherent light control of a metastable hidden state

Journal Article · · Science Advances
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [1];  [3];  [3];  [4];  [4];  [3];  [4];  [1];  [2];  [5];  [1]
  1. Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Berlin (Germany)
  2. Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Center of Excellence on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology – Nanocenter (CENN Nanocenter), Ljubljana (Slovenia)
  3. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
  4. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford University, CA (United States)
  5. Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Berlin (Germany); Technische Universität Berlin (Germany)
Metastable phases present a promising route to expand the functionality of complex materials. Of particular interest are light-induced metastable phases that are inaccessible under equilibrium conditions, as they often host new, emergent properties switchable on ultrafast timescales. However, the processes governing the trajectories to such hidden phases remain largely unexplored. Here, using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the ultrafast dynamics of the formation of a hidden quantum state in the layered dichalcogenide 1T-TaS2 upon photoexcitation. Our results reveal the nonthermal character of the transition governed by a collective charge-density-wave excitation. Using a double-pulse excitation of the structural mode, we show vibrational coherent control of the phase-transition efficiency. Our demonstration of exceptional control, switching speed, and stability of the hidden state are key for device applications at the nexus of electronics and photonics.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Materials Sciences & Engineering Division (MSE)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
2281165
Journal Information:
Science Advances, Journal Name: Science Advances Journal Issue: 47 Vol. 9; ISSN 2375-2548
Publisher:
AAASCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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