Topological insulators (TI’s) are a new class of quantum materials characterized by conduction at the surface, while the bulk is insulating. The goal of this project is to investigate very short time dynamics in these topological insulator materials, at the limits of the shortest possible time resolution achievable today. It brings together the groups of S. Leone in Berkeley and M. Marsi, creating a uniquely advantageous combination with the ambition of pushing forward the frontiers of this research domain. The group of the French partner at LPS Orsay has been among the pioneers of this worldwide effort, with one of the first studies of carrier dynamics at the surface of 3D topological insulators. The group of the Berkeley collaborator brings an experimental platform suitable for the shortest possible laser-produced pulses of light (called attosecond pulses) to make the measurements. Despite the considerable progress achieved by many groups, new and even more challenging questions can be addressed regarding the timescales for transient states in these materials. Studying out-of-equilibrium photo-excited topological insulator materials on short time scales is a challenge of paramount importance for the field to test fundamental physical principles, while ultimately determining the speed of possible light-driven devices.
UC PI:
Stephen Leone
College of Chemistry / Department of Physics, UC Berkeley
French PI:
Marino Marsi
Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud
