Dynamics of photoinduced Charge Density Wave-metal phase transition in K0.3MoO3

TL;DR

This study investigates the ultrafast, non-thermal phase transition from a charge density wave state to a metallic state in K0.3MoO3, revealing that electronic order melts within sub-picoseconds without initial lattice disturbance.

Contribution

First systematic analysis of photoinduced CDW melting in K0.3MoO3 showing electronic transition occurs faster than lattice response.

Findings

Ultrafast non-thermal CDW melting achieved at specific energy density.

Electronic order melts within sub-picoseconds.

Lattice remains unperturbed during initial electronic transition.

Abstract

We present first systematic studies of the photoinduced phase transition from the ground charge density wave (CDW) state to the normal metallic (M) state in the prototype quasi-1D CDW system K0.3MoO3. Ultrafast non-thermal CDW melting is achieved at the absorbed energy density that corresponds to the electronic energy difference between the metallic and CDW states. The results imply that on the sub-picosecond timescale when melting and subsequent initial recovery of the electronic order takes place the lattice remains unperturbed.