Ultrafast Dynamics of Photocurrents in Surface States of Three-Dimensional Topological Insulators

Herein, experimental work on the ultrafast electron dynamics in the topological surface state (TSS) of three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) observed with time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission (2PPE) is reviewed. The focus is laid on the generation of ultrafast photocurrents and the time-resolved observation of their decay. 2PPE not only allows to unambiguously relate the photocurrents to the spin-polarized electronic surface states. Probing of the asymmetric momentum distribution of the electrons carrying the current makes it possible to study the microscopic scattering processes that govern the unusual electron transport in the time domain. Ultrashort mid-infrared pump pulses permit not only a direct optical excitation of the TSS in Sb2Te3 but also lead to a strong asymmetry of the TSS population in momentum space. Two-dimensional band mapping of the TSS shows that this asymmetry is in fact representative of a macroscopic photocurrent, while the helicity-dependence of the photocurrent is found to be small. The time-resolved observation of the photocurrent decay reveals a huge mean free path of the electrons in the TSS.

Automated summary

This review focuses on experimental work investigating ultrafast electron dynamics in the topological surface state of three-dimensional topological insulators using time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission. The study highlights the generation of ultrafast photocurrents, time-resolved observation of their decay, and probing of electron scattering processes. Additionally, it discusses the use of mid-infrared pump pulses for optical excitation and observation of asymmetry in the TSS population, as well as the macroscopic photocurrent and electron mean free path in the TSS.