The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Central Laser Facility (CLF) is celebrating the publication of the first paper from the newly upgraded Artemis laboratory.
This study used short pulses of light from Artemis’ 1 kHz beamline to study the quantum material tantalum direnide (1T-TaSe2), providing valuable insight into its complex behavior to visualize the motion of electrons and ions in the material over time. This discovery demonstrates the role of crystal lattices in inducing and stabilizing phase transitions in quantum materials. These insights can lead to the design of materials with unique electronic properties and are possible thanks to the advanced capabilities of Artemis laboratories. Part of the Harwell Research Complex (RCaH) at STFC’s Harwell campus in Oxfordshire, Artemis is a state-of-the-art facility for studying the ultrafast motion of electrons in molecules and new materials. Its discovery in late 2021 provided important insights into the behavior of charge density wave (CDW) transitions in quantum materials. Quantum materials with unique properties have been the subject of intense research in condensed matter physics.
To understand the fundamental interactions taking place in these materials, the STFC Artemis laboratory space offers advanced facilities, including an ultrafast laser source, an XUV beamline, and terminals for molecular dynamics, condensed matter physics, and imaging. This facility is one of the few in the world capable of capturing and recording processes in femtoseconds.
“Using ultrashort light pulses on the order of femtoseconds, such as those available at the Artemis facility, we can directly visualize the motion of electrons and ions inside materials in real time, giving us a great insight into the important interactions occurring inside these exotic materials.”
Dr. Charles James Sayers, Research Fellow in the ultrafast spectroscopy group at Polytechnic University of Milan,
Artemis’ discovery could advance the development of breakthrough technologies as well as expand our fundamental understanding of the complex physics involved in the interaction of light and matter. This latest study was carried out by Dr. Enrico Da Como, PhD, of the University of Bath. Charles James Sayers of the Polytechnic University of Milan and Dr. Ettore Carpen, Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR),
This article was published by Physical Review Letters. Dr. Charles Jays Squares, a researcher at the ultrasound of the police group in the spectrum of the Polytechnic University of Milan, says: Important interactions, exercise, traffic movement, and data offer this important exotic interpretation. »
He said: KNP researcher KNN said: “One of the most important scientific issues related to quantum materials is the emergence of status metastases to the conditions of regulation of this article.”
Karlotte Dr., regarding the senior practices of Farms Central Stfc, we are waiting for new opportunities for users to expect, as well as the advantages of the new laboratory. It’s a very interesting time.
“It was a pleasure to work with my colleagues from the University of Bath, Politecnico di Milano, and CNR-IFN on this exciting project. We look forward to more advanced science with them and other user communities in the future.”
More information: C. J. Sayers et al, Exploring the Charge Density Wave Phase of 1T−TaSe2 : Mott or Charge-Transfer Gap?, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.156401
