This project is aimed at the study of solids using attosecond laser pulses, the shortest pulses of light available today. These pulses, which operate in the extreme ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, allow to probe ultrafast electron dynamics in materials at extremely short timescales. Attosecond spectroscopy has emerged as a cutting-edge field in recent years, opening new avenues for understanding the fundamental behaviors of electrons in condensed matter systems.
Here, we set to explore the interaction between light the spin of electrons. The electron spin is an intrinsic quantum property that plays a crucial role in determining the macroscopic physical characteristics of materials, including magnetism. The goal of this research is to address a fundamental, yet unresolved question: do electron spins in solids interact directly and coherently with the electric field of light? The possibility of such a direct coupling between the spin of an electron and the oscillating electric field of light is a completely open and intriguing question at this stage. To address this problem, we leverage the progresses of attosecond science and state-of-the-art instrumentation. The combination of attosecond pulses with advanced detection techniques will allow for the ultrafast measurement of spin dynamics with increased precision, with the aim to isolate and observe these elusive spin-field interactions.
The potential impact of this research extends beyond fundamental physics. Understanding how electron spins interact with light fields could open new possibilities for controlling material properties in ways that were previously unattainable. For instance, if spin-field interactions can be manipulated coherently, it may be possible to use laser pulses to control the magnetization of materials on ultrafast timescales. This capability could be used in spintronics, a field of research focused on using electron spin rather than charge to develop next-generation electronic devices. Spintronics has already shown promise for creating faster and more energy-efficient memory storage technologies, and the ability to control spin with light could further enhance its potential applications.
