Coherent phonons: Experiment

Abstract

Coherent phonons are coherently excited by an ultrashort optical pulse and used to study dynamics of optical phonons. In this chapter, we present a brief history of experiments and phenomenological theories of coherent phonons. A typical example of the experimental technique and results of coherent phonons using a pump and probe protocol is explained. Several selected examples of coherent phonons in semiconductors and semimetals are presented. In addition, the squeezed phonons, which are essential nonclassical states, are described.