Nonlinear phononics: coherent control of the crystal lattice and of the functionality of solids
Prof. Dr. Andrea Cavalleri (Max-Planck-Institut für Struktur u. Dynamik der Materie, Hamburg)

In this talk, I will discuss how coherent electromagnetic radiation at infrared and TeraHerz frequencies can be used to coherently rearrange atoms within the crystal lattice of a solid. Such nonlinear phononics allows for the control of metal insulator transitions, magnetic phenomena, superconductivity and ferroelectricity.
I will also discuss how femtosecond x-ray beams from free electron lasers are integral to these studies, allowing for the reconstruction of atomic structure during these non-equilibrium processes and of evolving charge, spin and orbital textures.