A novel universal light-based technique to encode information in quantum materials

We have found a new universal method to optically control material topology, i.e., to induce so called valley polarization in centrosymmetric bulk materials. The discovery unlocks the possibility to control and manipulate valley population without being restricted by the specific chosen material. This achievement is extrememly exciting to address the standing issue to achieve faster information processing and at less energy expenditure. Our method allows to optically control and encode information inside the bandstructure of materials and switch at up to 100,000 times faster speed than currently possible. At the same time, the method allows to understand quantum phases and phase transitions in quantum materials and 2D structures. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIrBgYoiUmg