Femtosecond-manipulation of charge-magnetism coupling in an antiferromagnetic semiconductor (B08*)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 249492093

We will study the charge-magnetism coupling on ultrafast time scales in the antiferromagnetic semiconductor MnTe. Starting point is the band gap depending on the sublattice magnetization for which a theory will be developed to describe and guide experiments. We will photo-induce coherent spin dynamics which should induce coherent dynamics (via the charge-magnetism coupling) and even manipulation of the band gap. Conversely, we will optically trigger ultrafast dynamics of the band gap, verifying a spin response. We will search for signatures of the charge-magnetism coupling on the femtosecond time scale by measuring the relaxation dynamics after optically induced phase transitions to the paramagnetic state. The observed charge and spin dynamics will be described by state-of-the-art nonequilibrium many-body models.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 160: Coherent manipulation of interacting spin excitations in tailored semiconductors
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dortmund
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Frithjof B. Anders; Dr. Davide Bossini; Professor Dr. Mirko Cinchetti; Professor Dr. Götz S. Uhrig