SOLSTICE - SOLids in Strong Terahertz and Infrared CE-phase-stable waveforms

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Lightwave-driven electronic dynamics occurring on sub-optical-cycle time scales in condensed-matter and nanosystems is a fascinating frontier of attosecond science originally studied in atoms and molecules. Adapting attosecond metrology techniques to observe and control the fastest electronic dynamics in the plethora of known solids and novel quantum materials holds great promise for a wealth of fundamental scientific discoveries, thereby potentially impacting future technologies such as emerging petahertz electronic signal processing or strong-field optoelectronics.In the second funding period of the SOLSTICE project, we want to continue our ongoing research investigating solids irradiated by strong terahertz (THz) and tailored infrared (IR) carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-stable optical waveforms. In particular, studying high-harmonic generation (HHG), which is one of the cornerstones of attosecond science serving here as paradigm of a nonperturbative strong-field process, we want to elucidate in greater depth the physical similarities and differences compared to the corresponding process in atomic and molecular gases. Most importantly, we want to explore the unprecedented capabilities emerging from tailored intense IR-THz fields and secondary attosecond HHG sources for advanced spectroscopic applications.In this joint experiment/theory project, by combining HHG experiments with ab-initio time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) simulations, we want to extend HHG from semiconductors and insulators to more complex solids including two-dimensional (2D) materials, strongly correlated materials, and topological insulators. This project is thus expected to break new ground in combining strong-field attoscience and Mott-Hubbard physics. Polarization-state-resolved high-harmonic spectroscopy sensitive to sub-cycle electronic and structural dynamics will open up new avenues in ultra-fast spectroscopy of quantum materials. We will synthesize "perfect waveforms" for atomic-like HHG from 2D materials and compare it to the gas-phase counterpart. We also want to explore new opportunities of THz-dressing-based symmetry control manifesting in HHG from crystals. Furthermore, time-resolved spectroscopy with isolated attosecond XUV pulses and sub-cycle optical waveforms permits to study dynamics in materials featuring strong excitonic effects such as 2D materials.Beside tackling fundamental physical questions in this project, our research efforts also aim to push the present technological limitations of solid-HHG to realize bright and compact solid-state attosecond XUV sources and VUV/XUV frequency combs for future spectroscopies.