Ultrafast coherent dynamics in strongly correlated materials

This dissertation explores quantum phenomena in high-temperature superconductors by utilizing ultrafast laser pulses. Superconductors are materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance and hold tremendous potential for various technological applications, including power transmission, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and particle accelerators. However, despite the name, high-temperature superconductors only possess this property at temperatures below 133 K (or ~ -140 °C). Further, despite being discovered over 35 years ago, question around the underlying physics remain. The work in this thesis provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms/physics by using ultrafast laser pulses to measure interactions, which are responsible for superconductivity.