Download Non-equilibrium physics of quantum materials Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography Colloquium

Department of Physics and Physical
Oceanography Colloquium
Non-equilibrium physics of quantum materials
Alexander Kemper, North Carolina State University
Quantum materials have already become intrinsic elements in "futuristic"
materials of today: LEDs, flexible displays, and MRI machines all use quantum
materials, and the potential for future applications is infinite. To be able to use
them to their full potential, we first need to understand their electronic properties
both in and out of equilibrium. A powerful emerging method for doing so is
perturbing the system into a non-equilibrium state and examining the subsequent
temporal dynamics, which often exhibit oscillations and decay reflecting the
underlying physics. This technique is rapidly growing in use, and has many
exciting capabilities for both understanding and controlling quantum materials,
but still needs a solid theoretical footing.
In this talk, I will discuss several theoretical achievements regarding pump-probe
spectroscopy of quantum materials. Using a variety of techniques, I will illustrate
the capabilities of the non-equilibrium approach in measuring the equilibrium
state of the material and discuss how important insights can be gained from
“movies” the experiments produce. I will also show how the interaction of the pump
with the material can induce new phases of matter, which are otherwise not
accessible in equilibrium.
Friday, March 4, 2016
2:00 PM
DeLoach Hall, Room 212
Refreshments will be served at 1:50 PM