A versatile setup for symmetry-resolved ultrafast dynamics of quantum materials

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile, all-optical, table-top setup for symmetry-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy of quantum materials, enabling detailed studies of symmetry-broken phases without large-scale facilities.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel, accessible setup for symmetry-resolved ultrafast dynamics, expanding capabilities beyond large-scale x-ray and electron facilities.

Findings

Demonstrated symmetry-resolved measurements on quantum materials

Showcased the setup's versatility with various spectroscopic techniques

Highlighted the importance of symmetry tracking in understanding quantum phases

Abstract

Correlated phenomena occur in quantum materials because of the delicate interplay between internal degrees of freedom, leading to multiple symmetry-broken quantum phases. Resolving the structure of these phases is a key challenge, often requiring facilities equipped with x-ray free-electron lasers and electron sources that may not be readily accessible to the average user. Table-top sources that offer alternative means are therefore needed. In this work, we present an all-optical, table-top setup that enables symmetry-resolved studies using linear and nonlinear spectroscopies. We demonstrate the versatility of the setup with chosen examples that underscore the importance of tracking symmetries and showcase the strengths of the setup, which offers a large tunable parameter space.