Probing photo-induced granular superconductivity in K\(_{3}\)C\(_{60}\) thin films with an ultrafast on-chip voltmeter

The physics of optically-induced superconductivity remains poorly understood, with questions that range from the underlying microscopic mechanism to the macroscopic electrical response of the non-equilibrium phase. In this paper, we study optically-induced superconductivity in K\(_{3}\)C\(_{60}\) th...

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Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Adelinia, Joseph D, Wang, Eryin, Chavez-Cervantes, Mariana, Matsuyama, Toru, Fechner, Michael, Buzzi, Michele, Meier, Guido, Cavalleri, Andrea
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 11.12.2023
Subjects
Electrical measurement
Fluids
Inductance
Optoelectronic devices
Superconductivity
Superfluidity
Thin films
Voltage drop
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Summary:The physics of optically-induced superconductivity remains poorly understood, with questions that range from the underlying microscopic mechanism to the macroscopic electrical response of the non-equilibrium phase. In this paper, we study optically-induced superconductivity in K\(_{3}\)C\(_{60}\) thin films, which display signatures of granularity both in the equilibrium state below T\(_{c}\) and in the nonequilibrium photo-induced phase above T\(_{c}\). Photo-conductive switches are used to measure the ultrafast voltage drop across a K\(_{3}\)C\(_{60}\) film as a function of time after irradiation, both below and above T\(_{c}\). These measurements reveal fast changes associated with the kinetic inductance of in-grain superconductivity, and a slower response attributed to the Josephson dynamics at the weak links. Fits to the data yield estimates of the in-grain photo-induced superfluid density after the drive and the dynamics of phase slips at the weak links. This work underscores the increasing ability to make electrical measurements at ultrafast speeds in optically-driven quantum materials, and demonstrates a striking new platform for optoelectronic device applications.
ISSN:2331-8422