Extraordinary suppression of the laser heating effect in ZrTe3 under pressure revealed by ultrafast spectroscopy

Photocarrier dynamics of the ZrTe₃ under pressure are investigated using optical pump-probe (OPOP) spectroscopy in combination with a diamond anvil cell. A prominent laser heating effect is manifested, characterized by significant changes in the profiles and an elongation of the echo period as the pump fluence is increased. Furthermore, this heating effect is found to be enhanced at pressures below 2 GPa, gradually diminishing until it completely disappears at 6 GPa. Additionally, the estimated sound velocity at high pressures indicates a rapid increase with pressure. This study not only assesses the potential application of ZrTe₃ in the field of ultrafast optoelectronic devices but also provides fundamental understanding on the electron structural transition under pressure.