Strong field–driven subcycle band structure modulation and dephasing control

Abstract

Over the past decade, ultrafast electron dynamics in the solid state have been extensively studied using various strong light-matter interaction techniques, such as high-harmonic generation. These studies lead to multiple interpretations of light-matter interaction in the strong-field regime, with exact mechanisms not yet fully understood. It is well known that strong-field interaction with a crystalline solid leads to substantial modification of its band structure and, hence, its optical properties on ultrafast timescales. In this work, we present measurements of ultrafast electric-field observables in magnesium oxide using a nonresonant nonlinear optical interaction. Using field observables, we show that strong laser fields modulate the band structure on subcycle timescales, thereby altering the material’s nonlinear optical response. We perform time-dependent perturbation theory calculations using a field-dependent dispersion relation and semiconductor Bloch equation calculations, both of which agree with experimental observations. Furthermore, we extract pulse decay times from the real-time signal electric field envelope and show subcycle control of dephasing times. Our work offers a new perspective on strong field–driven electron dynamics in solids through electric-field observables. The demonstrated attosecond modulation of the nonlinear response could have important implications for quantum light generation and quantum spectroscopy using nonlinear optical processes.