Laser-induced anisotropy of electron momentum distribution in metals and semimetals

In this talk we summarize our latest theoretical and experimental results on the asymmetry of the electronic distribution function induced by femtosecond laser pulses and its manifestation in the sub-terahertz electromagnetic response. Non-reciprocal generation of THz pulses in monocrystalline bismuth and a new mechanism of magnetic field generation inside metals are discussed. We show that the processes of electron momentum relaxation are critical for electrodynamical properties of the discussed media at sub-picosecond timescale.