Abstract
We study the nonlinear response of collective optical resonances in linear atomic chains with metallic, semiconducting, and topologically insulating character to low-energy free electrons. The nonlinearity, which manifests in the amplitude and frequency of resonant features in cathodoluminescence and electron energy-loss spectra, is shown to depend on the speed and trajectory of the excitation as well as the length and electronic structure of the chain. Time-domain analysis of charge carrier dynamics within the atomic chain reveals that the Fermi velocity sets the threshold speed for triggering an electron-induced nonlinear response, a phenomenon which can elucidate nonlinear light-matter interactions on the nanoscale.
Original language | English |
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Article number | L022015 |
Journal | Physical Review Research |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 2643-1564 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21. Apr 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023 authors. Published by the American Physical Society. Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.