Abstract

Phase-locked infrared light pulses will be used to trace and control topologically protected Dirac fermions faster than a cycle of light. Following the concept of lightwave electronics, we will ballistically accelerate Dirac fermions with the carrier wave of light and study new quantum aspects of quasi-relativistic dynamics, such as Berry curvature effects, Zitterbewegung, and lightwave spintronics. Going beyond single-particle dynamics, we will explore collective excitations, such as low-loss Dirac plasmon polaritons, and control their linear and nonlinear response in TI nanostructures directly in space and time, by ultrafast nanoscopy.