Ultrafast control of strong-field electron dynamics in solids

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in controlling electron dynamics in solids using intense laser pulses, highlighting the potential for ultrafast electronic switching enabled by strong-field effects and attosecond science.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical foundations and recent progress in ultrafast control of electron motion in solids with strong laser fields.

Findings

Strong-field effects enable precise electron steering.

Attosecond techniques reveal detailed electron dynamics.

Potential for ultrafast switching surpassing conventional electronics.

Abstract

We review theoretical foundations and some recent progress related to the quest of controlling the motion of charge carriers with intense laser pulses and optical waveforms. The tools and techniques of attosecond science enable detailed investigations of a relatively unexplored regime of nondestructive strong-field effects. Such extremely nonlinear effects may be utilized to steer electron motion with precisely controlled optical fields and switch electric currents at a rate that is far beyond the capabilities of conventional electronics.