Ultrafast nonthermal suppression of ferroelectricity by carrier screening in
Phys. Rev. B 114, 034309 – Published 14 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/gr6p-f58f
Abstract
Ferroelectric materials are key to energy-efficient electronics, memory, and optical applications. While charge carriers typically screen and suppress ferroelectricity, their role under nonequilibrium conditions remains elusive. Here, we use femtosecond laser pulses to liberate trapped carriers in and track the response using time-resolved second-harmonic generation and stimulated Raman scattering. Even dilute photoexcited carriers induce a rapid yet enduring suppression of polarization and Raman susceptibility. Fluence- and temperature-dependent analyses confirm the suppression is nonthermal and arises from transient carrier screening. These findings reveal an efficient, reversible, and symmetry-preserving mechanism to modulate ferroelectricity on ultrafast timescales, offering an alternative route to control ferroic and competing quantum phases.
