Control of the hyperbolic dispersion of dielectrics by an ultrashort laser pulse

An idea of controlling hyperbolic dispersion of dielectric materials by an ultrashort laser pulse is proposed. Taking the diamond as a concrete example and using time-dependent density functional theory calculations, we show that the permittivity tensor of the material can be effectively tuned by an ultrashort laser pulse, serving as a transient hyperbolic medium with wide working frequency window. With easily tunable laser parameters, the material can even be switched by reversal of both elliptic and hyperbolic for a particular light frequency. Our result points out a route toward transient hyperbolic materials, and it offers methods to achieve tunable hyperbolic dispersion with great potential for ultrafast device applications.