Time-domain interferometry of electron weak localization through terahertz nonlinear response

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical method using terahertz nonlinear response to perform time-domain interferometry of weak localization effects in disordered electron systems, revealing quantum interference phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to probe weak (anti)localization via electric current echoes generated by phase coherent optical pulses.

Findings

Electric current echo appears after the second pulse at the pulse delay time.

Echo reflects quantum interference between self-intersecting paths and their time reversal.

Method can be tested with terahertz spectroscopy or ultrafast transport experiments.

Abstract

We study theoretically the nonlinear optical response of disordered electrons in the regime of weak (anti)localization. Our analytical and numerical calculations reveal that, in orthogonal/symplectic class systems, two consecutive, phase coherent optical pulses generates an electric current echo that appears after the second pulse, and at a time equal to the pulse delay time. The current echo reflects the quantum interference between a self-intersecting electron path and its time reversal partner, and, therefore, provide a time-domain interferometry of weak (anti)localization. Our results can be potentially tested on disordered metal films by using terahertz two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy or ultrafast transport measurements.