Ultrafast Spectroscopy in Solid Matter

Abstract

This chapter briefly introduces fundamental concepts in solid-state physics, providing the necessary background for discussions of ultrafast dynamics in solids, for example, proceeding through phase transitions. In particular, a description is given of how the dynamic evolution towards phase transitions in solids can be initiated with optical lasers and the sequence of ensuing dynamics in various strongly coupled sub-systems in solids is discussed. Various X-ray spectroscopy methods are introduced, their advantages are presented, and application examples to ultrafast dynamics in solids are highlighted. This chapter concludes with a short outlook towards modern method developments of novel spectroscopic tools using the coherence properties of state-of-the-art pulsed X-ray sources.