Possible light-induced superconductivity in K3C60 at high temperature.

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Materials science
• Quantum phenomena

Background:

• Controlling emergent phenomena in solids, like optical superconductivity enhancement, is a key research area.
• Previous studies observed superconducting-like optical properties in copper oxides via phonon excitation, but explanations were incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate non-equilibrium phenomena in a different material system, K3C60.
• To explore the effects of optical excitation on the electronic properties of metallic K3C60.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing mid-infrared optical pulses to excite metallic K3C60.
• Analyzing changes in carrier mobility and optical conductivity.
• Comparing non-equilibrium optical responses with equilibrium superconducting properties.

Main Results:

• Optical excitation of K3C60 resulted in a significant increase in carrier mobility.
• A notable opening of a gap in the optical conductivity was observed.
• These non-equilibrium signatures mirrored those seen at equilibrium below the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 20 Kelvin.

Conclusions:

• Non-equilibrium optical excitation of K3C60 induces properties similar to superconductivity.
• The observed phenomena, including increased mobility and a conductivity gap, align with equilibrium superconducting states.
• While optical methods alone are not definitive, non-equilibrium high-temperature superconductivity is proposed as a potential explanation.