# Photoinduced hidden CDW state and relaxation dynamics of 1T-TaS_2 probed by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

## TL;DR

This study investigates the ultrafast dynamics of 1T-TaS₂'s charge density wave states using time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy, revealing a significant conductivity increase and transient metallic domain wall formation.

## Contribution

It introduces a criterion for identifying metastable states in terahertz measurements and compares the conductivity dynamics between transient and hidden CDW states.

## Key findings

- Terahertz conductivity increases by two orders of magnitude from CCDW to HCDW.
- Transient states exhibit rapid decay dynamics after weak pumping.
- Fluctuated metallic domain walls may form in transient states.

## Abstract

The dynamical properties of single crystal 1T-TaS$_{2}$ are investigated both in commensurate charge density wave state (CCDW state) and hidden charge density wave state (HCDW state). We develop a useful criterion in time-domain transmission terahertz measurement to judge whether the compound is driven into a metastable state or still in its virgin state. An increase of terahertz conductivity by two orders of magnitude from CCDW state to HCDW state is obtained by taking account of the penetration depth mismatch, which is in agreement with reported \emph{dc} transport measurement. Upon weak pumping, only transient processes with rapid decay dynamics are triggered in both CCDW and HCDW states. We compare the conductivity increases in terahertz frequency range between transient and HCDW states and suggest that fluctuated metallic domain walls may develop in the transient states.