Ultrafast Science of Quantum Materials

The USQM group at IMDEA Nanociencia uses a combination of ultrafast optical spectroscopy and X-ray facilities to understand and control dynamics in quantum materials at their fundamental length and time scales. We study materials like superconductors, colossal magnetoresistance manganites, and phase change materials whose exotic emergent properties are expected to underpin next generation technologies, but whose complex interactions make them difficult to understand. Ultrafast excitation allows us to separate the different internal processes, which in equilibrium are locked together, and study which are key to the emergent properties. We also study how strong excitation can lead to novel properties and unconventional metastable phases in quantum materials, with the aim to realize the dream of re-writing the properties of materials on demand.