Probing a topological insulator with twisty light (IMAGE)
Caption
An illustration shows how circularly polarized laser light (top) is used to probe a topological insulator (black), a quantum material that conducts electric current on its surface but not through its interior. The light causes electrons in the material to fly apart, recombine and emit light (white) of higher energies and frequencies through a process called high harmonic generation. By analyzing this emitted light, scientists can measure the spin and momentum of electrons in the material. Experiments at SLAC confirm that these signals are a unique signature of topological surfaces.
Credit
Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
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