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Plasmascopy of Ultrafast Hot Charge Carriers

Dmitry A. Zimin1,*, Raja Sen2,3, Muhammad Qasim4, Jelena Sjakste3, and Vladislav S. Yakovlev4,5

  • *Contact author: dzimin@ethz.ch
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 186906 – Published 30 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ctkf-wz2d

Abstract

We demonstrate an electric-field-resolved approach for probing ultrafast dynamics of photoinjected charge carriers in solids. Direct access to the electric field of few-cycle pulses enables us to measure a broadband response of a medium with associated plasma frequency. We prepare an ensemble of hot charge carriers with energies sufficient to trigger impact ionization and establish a framework to measure its dynamics. Our time-resolved study reveals the short-lived ultrafast dynamics consistent with impact ionization and carrier trapping. This approach provides a promising route for studying ultrafast many-body physics in photoexcited solids, with predictions from advanced theoretical models.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 186906– Published 30 October, 2026
  • Received 10 November 2025
  • Revised 24 July 2026
  • Accepted 14 August 2026
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