Ultrafast enhancement of electron-phonon coupling via dynamic quantum well states

Journal Article · 25 June 2023 · Communications Materials

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-023-00370-7 · OSTI ID:1986582

Ciocys, Samuel T.; Lanzara, Alessandra

Abstract The density of states at the Fermi surface controls many material properties by influencing the low-energy interactions of conductive electrons. Typically, external tuning knobs generate only small perturbations to the density of states in crystals, since their band structure depends strongly on the lattice potential. In contrast, quantum well states are contingent on a localized potential extrinsic to the crystal lattice and can be easily modified leading to changes in the density of states at the Fermi level. Here, we are able to control the quantum well potential on the surface of Bi ₂ Se ₃ with light, driving a density of states singularity below E _F at ultrafast timescales, thereby triggering a reversible Lifshitz transition. We reveal a substantial ultrafast enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling with repercussions on the relaxation dynamics in the system. We argue that the relaxation dynamics are governed largely by the interplay of the dynamic density of states of the quantum wells with c -axis scattering from the $$$${A}_{{{{{{{{\rm{1g}}}}}}}}}^{2}$$$$ $A_{\mathrm{1g}}^2$ optical phonon mode. These results demonstrate a powerful way to enhance electron-boson interaction on ultrafast timescales providing new avenues for controlling material properties and driving novel quantum phases of matter.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 1986582
• Journal Information: Communications Materials, Journal Name: Communications Materials Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 4; ISSN 2662-4443
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English