P3: Coherent control of Kagome metals

• Applicants: Dr. Laurenz Rettig; Professor Dr. Michael Sentef
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 531215165

The properties of quantum materials are determined by their chemical composition and can be controlled by external means such as temperature or pressure. In this project we aim at a different approach to control quantum materials, namely with short laser pulses. We will explore and harness the complex out-of-equilibrium free energy landscapes of kagome metals, which are materials in which interactions give rise to an interesting phase diagram involving different types of charge order and also superconductivity. We aim to target the goal of achieving optical control over these phases by a joint experimental-theoretical effort. We will combine state-of-the-art time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (trARPES) and first principles derived realistic microscopic models to tackle research questions such as: What is the transient "energy landscape" of the charge-density wave (CDW) state in the kagome metals? Can we drive the system into a hidden phase? Which pathways lead to such transient metastable states, and can we selectively target such a favorable pathway? Which microscopic interactions dominate the complex free energy landscape? Can we identify and control chiral CDW order?

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5750: Optical Control of Quantum Materials (OPTIMAL)