Spectrally Resolving the Phase and Amplitude of Coherent Phonons in the Charge Density Wave State of 1T-TaSe2

The excitation and detection of coherent phonons have given unique insights into the condensed matter, in particular for materials with strong electron-phonon coupling. A study of coherent phonons is reported in the layered charge density wave (CDW) compound 1T-TaSe2 performed using transient broadband reflectivity spectroscopy, in the photon energy range 1.75-2.65 eV. Several intense and long-lasting (>20 ps) oscillations, arising from the CDW superlattice reconstruction, are observed allowing for detailed analysis of the spectral dependence of their amplitude and phase. For energies above 2.4 eV, where transitions involve Ta d-bands, the CDW amplitude mode at 2.19 THz is found to dominate the coherent response. At lower energies, instead, beating arises between additional frequencies, with a particularly intense mode at 2.95 THz. Interestingly, the spectral analysis reveals a pi phase shift at 2.4 eV. Results are discussed considering the selective coupling of specific modes to energy bands involved in the optical transitions seen in steady-state reflectivity. The work demonstrates how coherent phonon spectroscopy can distinguish and resolve optical states strongly coupled to the CDW order and provide additional information normally hidden in conventional steady-state techniques.

Automated summary

This study investigates coherent phonons in the CDW compound 1T-TaSe2 using transient broadband reflectivity spectroscopy. Intense and long-lasting oscillations originating from the CDW superlattice reconstruction are observed, allowing for detailed analysis of their spectral dependence. The results reveal the coupling between CDW order and optical states, providing additional information not accessible through conventional steady-state techniques.