Collective quantum phenomena in the Terahertz spotlight – QuaPTer

Quantum materials are complex systems hosting a wide variety of low energy quantum orders which are often intertwined together. They defy fundamental understanding as much as they gather hopes for their technological use provided that we can understand and control their collective quantum phenomena. Collective superconducting phenomena in quantum materials do not depart from this fact. Indeed, despite their long history, these phenomena are far from being fully understood and/or controlled. The “QuaPTer” project proposes to tackle this by shedding light on the collective modes which emerge from intertwined superconducting orders in quantum materials. In that respect, intense and ultrashort pulses of light at Terahertz frequencies will be used as the means to act coherently and selectively on their collective modes. The project will not only investigate fundamental questions regarding the nature of the collective modes of superconductors in a general context, but it will also develop strategies for their coherent manipulation.