Ultrafast optical evidence of coexisting density waves in bilayer nickelate
Phys. Rev. B 112, 235110 – Published 2 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/j6hl-t2sh
Abstract
Utilizing ultrafast optical pump-probe spectroscopy, we investigate the coexistence and competition of electronic orders in the bilayer nickelate . Our results reveal two coexisting density waves that can be selectively manipulated with light. We directly identify a spin-density wave (SDW) with electronic nematicity emerging below K by measuring its spin dynamics, and discover a distinct, nonmagnetic charge order appearing below K. The central finding is the demonstration of differential optical control: the charge order is fragile, completely suppressed by a pump fluence of approximately 40 , while the SDW is remarkably robust, persisting to 200 . This work establishes a clear hierarchy in the stability of competing electronic orders and provides a powerful method for disentangling their interplay in quantum materials.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Corrections
6 January, 2026
Correction: Typographical errors in the label on the right vertical axis of the top panel of Fig. 4 and in the caption have been fixed.