Reversible control of the topological invariants from nontrivial to trivial states has fundamental implications for quantum information processors and spintronics, by realizing of an on/off switch for robust and dissipationless spin-current. Although mechanical strain has typically advantageous for such control of topological invariants, it is often accompanied by in-plane fractures and is not suited for high-speed, time-dependent operations. Here, we use ultrafast optical and THz spectroscopy to investigate topological phase transitions by light-driven strain in Bi2Se3, a material that requires substantial strain for Z2 switching. We show that Bi2Se3 experiences ultrafast switching from being a topological insulator with spin-momentum-locked surfaces, to hybridized states and normal insulating phases at ambient conditions. Light-induced strong out-of-plane strain can suppress the surface-bulk coupling, enabling differentiation of surface and bulk conductance at room temperature, far above the Debye temperature. We illustrate various time-dependent sequences of transient hybridization, as well as the switching operation of topological invariants by adjusting the photoexcitation intensity. The abrupt alterations in both surface and bulk transport near the transition point allow for coherent conductance modulation at hyper-sound frequencies. Our findings regarding light-triggered ultrafast switching of topological invariants pave the way for high-speed topological switching and its associated applications.
@article{arxiv.2306.09766,
title = {Ultrafast switching of topological invariants by light-driven strain},
author = {Tae Gwan Park and Seungil Baek and Junho Park and Eui-Cheol Shin and Hong Ryeol Na and Eon-Taek Oh and Seung-Hyun Chun and Yong-Hyun Kim and Sunghun Lee and Fabian Rotermund},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2306.09766},
year = {2025}
}