Kinetics of a superconductor excited with a femtosecond optical pulse

TL;DR

This paper investigates the ultrafast dynamics of superconductors after femtosecond optical excitation using a phenomenological model, providing analytical solutions that explain experimental observations across different superconductor types.

Contribution

It introduces analytical solutions within the Rothwarf and Taylor model to describe superconductor response to femtosecond pulses, applicable to both conventional and cuprate superconductors.

Findings

Model explains intensity and temperature dependence of quasiparticle density

Describes pair-breaking and recovery dynamics

Applicable to various superconductor types

Abstract

Superconducting state dynamics following excitation of a superconductor with a femtosecond optical pulse is studied in terms of a phenomenological Rothwarf and Taylor model. Analytical solutions for various limiting cases are obtained. The model is found to account for the intensity and temperature dependence of both photoinduced quasiparticle density, as well as pair-breaking and superconducting state recovery dynamics in conventional as well as cuprate superconductors.