Time-domain interferometry of electron weak localization through terahertz nonlinear response

Abstract: We study theoretically the nonlinear optical response of disordered electrons in the regime of weak (anti)localization. Our analytical and numerical calculations reveal that, in orthogonal/symplectic class systems, two consecutive, phase coherent optical pulses generates an electric current echo that appears after the second pulse, and at a time equal to the pulse delay time. The current echo reflects the quantum interference between a self-intersecting electron path and its time reversal partner, and, therefore, provide a time-domain interferometry of weak (anti)localization. Our results can be potentially tested on disordered metal films by using terahertz two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy or ultrafast transport measurements.