Ultrafast phenomena and light-matter interaction in quantum materials

Light-matter interaction and light-induced ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics are forefront topics that span several different scientific disciplines, such as condensed matter physics, material science, physical chemistry, and photonics, and promise to open various important applications with broad impact. The development of these topics is based on a very rapid advancement of ultrafast laser pulses and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques from the experimental side, and on the significant development of the first-principles theoretical techniques and new machine learning approaches. This progress enabled a precise characterization of very short electron scattering events, screening, phase transitions, lattice dynamics and interaction processes in quantum matter as well as the excitation and resolution of various quasiparticle degrees of freedom (e.g., electrons, phonons, plasmons, magnons) in the time domain. While experimental laser techniques are defining new domains for quantum physics and chemistry, complementary theoretical methods based on the interaction of light and matter are lagging behind, due to complex many-body interactions involved in non-equilibrium conditions, as well as large scale systems (e.g., nanostructures, cavities, twist Moire structures). 

With this conference, we plan to encourage constructive discussions between theoretical, as well as experimental scientists dealing with various aspects of the aforementioned issues of light-matter interaction. We plan to strengthen the current bonds between relevant communities and establish a new network of scientists who will jointly lead to the advancement of theoretical methods for describing ultrafast dynamics.

 Deadline for registration: May 1st 2026