Ultrafast optical stress on BaFe2As2

We investigate the ultrafast lattice dynamics in BaFe₂As₂ via time-resolved x-ray diffraction measurements using an x-ray free-electron laser at SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free-electron LAser (SACLA). The profile of the Bragg peaks substantially changes after strong photoexcitation, where the c axis length of the lattice initially contracts, followed by expansion. These ultrafast lattice contractions and expansions significantly depend on the pump fluence, and it is suggested that a strong normal stress is applied along the c axis. To obtain a phenomenological understanding of the observed lattice dynamics, we performed calculations based on a two-temperature model and an ultrafast thermoelasticity model. Our results showed that a steep gradient of the electron temperature induced by photoexcitation generates a blast force, which acts as a strong normal stress. We propose that a temporal stress can be applied by a strong optical pump, and this scheme can be another route for the application of uniaxial stress to superconductors.