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Terahertz-Driven Parametric Excitation of Raman-Active Phonons in LaAlO3

M. Basini1,2,*,†, V. Unikandanunni1,3,*, F. Gabriele4,*, M. Cross5, A. M. Derrico6,7, A. X. Gray6, M. C. Hoffmann5, F. Forte4, M. Cuoco4 et al.

S. Bonetti1,8

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: mbasini@phys.ethz.ch
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 156902 – Published 16 April, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/57p8-7mh9

Abstract

Achieving parametric excitation in an oscillating physical system involves periodically adjusting one of its parameters to modulate the oscillator’s natural frequency. This phenomenon has been observed in numerous systems within physics and engineering, profoundly transforming modern science and technology. Despite rapid progress, the parametric control of collective excitations, such as phonons, remains a challenge while promising to generate novel and intriguing effects in a largely unexplored field. Here, we investigate the terahertz (THz) field-induced dynamics of Raman-active phonons in the perovskite structure of LaAlO3. Utilizing intense THz pulses, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of parametric phonon excitation marked by substantial subharmonic components. Theoretical analysis can successfully capture the hallmarks of the observed phenomena in a physical scenario with the THz field inducing a parametric coupling between the Raman mode and pairs of acoustic phonon excitations.

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Corrections

6 July, 2026

Correction: The data availability statement has been corrected and the source for the data has been inserted as Ref. [45].

Article Text

Supplemental Material

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 156902– Published 16 April, 2026
  • Received 8 September 2025
  • Accepted 16 March 2026
  • Corrected 6 July 2026
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