2022/06/08 by Julian Maklar, Maklar, J., Shuo Dong +29
Engineering · Materials Science · Neuroscience · #2D Materials and Applications #Advanced Memory and Neural Computing #FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2206.03788
openalex publication_date 2022/06/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
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. Utilizing 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 phase are key for device applications.