Real-time optical mapping of the dynamics of nonthermal electrons in thin gold films

G. Della Valle (1) , Matteo Conforti (2) , G. Cerullo (1) , D. Brida (1)

1 POLIMI - Politecnico di Milano [Milan]
2 Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione [Brescia]

We investigate the nonlinear optical response of thin gold films with an unprecedented combination of high temporal resolution (∼15 fs) and broad spectral coverage. We quantitatively model the data without free parameters using an extended version of the two-temperature model. Our combined experimental and theoretical approach allows tracking the evolution from a purely nonthermal electron distribution towards a fully thermalized one. These results pose the basis for better understanding of light-matter interaction in metals on the ultrafast time scale.

Domaines: Optique [physics.optics]; Matière Condensée [cond-mat]

G. Della Valle, Matteo Conforti, G. Cerullo, D. Brida. Real-time optical mapping of the dynamics of nonthermal electrons in thin gold films. Physical Review B: Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (1998-2015), 2012, 86 (15), ⟨10.1103/PhysRevB.86.155139⟩. ⟨hal-02394961⟩