Quantum control of photo-induced electron dynamics in complex systems

In the past two decades, time-resolved spectroscopy of photo-induced electron dynamics has provided unique tools for investigating a wide range of natural processes. This has opened up new avenues for understanding and manipulating matter on ultrafast timescales [1-4]. In this seminar, we will delve into recent advances in the study of photo-induced electron dynamics in complex systems, along with the concurrent development of state-of-the-art light sources.
The first part of the presentation will focus on real-time tracking of plasmonic dephasing time in fullerenes [5]. Specifically, we have demonstrated that the dephasing time of the giant plasmon in C60 directly correlates with the energy-dependent photoemission delay. Within this context, we have identified the contribution solely arising from the large-scale correlation-induced collective excitation of the giant plasmon as the fastest dephasing route, with a characteristic time ranging between 50 and 200 attoseconds (as). This study has the potential to inspire investigations into rapid decoherence and control of plasmonic phenomena on their natural timescale, paving the way for the development of innovative technologies involving quantum plasmonics.
In the second part of the presentation, we will discuss new research directions aimed at expanding our current understanding of quantum control over photo-induced electron dynamics. Specifically, the presentation will focus on two challenging aspects: the first involves exploring electron dynamics correlated with nuclear transitions, while the second centers around achieving strong- field photo-interactions at moderate, or even low, laser intensities.

References:
[1] Lambert, W. R., Felker, P. M. & Zewail, A. H. J. Chem. Phys. 75, 5958–5960 (1981). [2] Zewail, A. J. of Phys. Chem. A 104, 5660 (2000).
[3] Hentschel, M. et al. Nature 414, 509–13 (2001).
[4] Goulielmakis, E. et al. Nature 466, 739–743 (2010).
[5] Biswas S, Trabattoni A, et al., arXiv 2022 (Preprint 2111.14464).