A team of scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Germany has made a groundbreaking discovery in the manipulation of quantum materials using laser drives. By tuning the light source to 10 THz, researchers were able to create a long-lived superconducting-like state in a fullerene-based material (K3C60) while reducing pulse intensity by a factor of 100.

The researchers were able to directly observe this light-induced state at room temperature for 100 picoseconds, predicting that it has a lifetime of at least 0.5 nanoseconds. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the underlying microscopic mechanism of photo-induced superconductivity and could provide insight into the amplification of electronic properties in materials.

Andrea Cavalleri, founding director of the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter and physics professor at both universities, explained why researchers are interested in nonlinear responses and amplification of electronic properties such as superconductivity. The resonance frequency identified in this study can help theoretical physicists better understand which excitations are crucial to the effect observed in K3C60.

Edward Rowe, a Ph.D. student working with Cavalleri, also highlighted that using a higher repetition rate laser source at 10 THz may help sustain the metastable state longer, potentially allowing for continuous sustenance of superconducting-like states in future experiments.

Overall, this research is likely to advance our understanding of quantum materials and their unique properties, providing valuable insights into their potential applications across various fields such as electronics and energy conversion technologies.

In summary, researchers from Germany have successfully created a long-lived superconducting-like state using laser drives on fullerene-based material K3C60. They were able to directly observe this light-induced state at room temperature for 100 picoseconds while reducing pulse intensity by 100 times. This discovery provides insight into photo-induced superconductivity mechanisms and could lead to more efficient electronic property amplification in materials.

The team’s findings have significant implications for advancing our understanding of quantum materials’ unique properties and potential applications across various industries such as electronics and energy conversion technologies.