Transient lattice contraction in the solid-to-plasma transition.
Sci Adv
; 2(1): e1500837, 2016 Jan.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27152323
ABSTRACT
In condensed matter systems, strong optical excitations can induce phonon-driven processes that alter their mechanical properties. We report on a new phenomenon where a massive electronic excitation induces a collective change in the bond character that leads to transient lattice contraction. Single large van der Waals clusters were isochorically heated to a nanoplasma state with an intense 10-fs x-ray (pump) pulse. The structural evolution of the nanoplasma was probed with a second intense x-ray (probe) pulse, showing systematic contraction stemming from electron delocalization during the solid-to-plasma transition. These findings are relevant for any material in extreme conditions ranging from the time evolution of warm or hot dense matter to ultrafast imaging with intense x-ray pulses or, more generally, any situation that involves a condensed matter-to-plasma transition.
Mots clés
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Modèles théoriques
Type d'étude:
Prognostic_studies
Langue:
En
Journal:
Sci Adv
Année:
2016
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
États-Unis d'Amérique