Dr. Hadas Soifer studies nonequilibrium electron dynamics and light-matter interactions in quantum materials using ultrafast time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (trARPES). Her research focuses on nonlinear optical phenomena in topological matter such as topological insulators and Weyl semimetals, with a special interest in photocurrent generation. Also, she conducts research on electron-phonon coupling in strongly correlated materials.
Research achievements include: Resolved the electronic states involved in photocurrent generation in a topological insulator, and revealed the symmetry and resonance conditions required for the process to occur. Used the femtosecond-resolved coherently excited phonon modulations in an iron based superconductor to quantify the electron-phonon coupling in the material.
Future Directions include: Exploring the optical properties of quantum materials, in order to harness these materials for quantum computation and detection. Studying photocurrent generation in a Weyl semimetal as a probe for its topological properties. Develop mid-IR pumping to resonantly excite low energy modes and perform sub-gap excitations of quantum materials. Build a HHG source for an XUV probe which will allow measurements of the whole Brillouin zone of most materials. Developing tools for coherent control of electronic states in solid state systems.
