We predict a dynamic metallization effect where an ultrafast (single-cycle)
optical pulse with a field less or on the order of 1 V/Angstrom causes
plasmonic metal-like behavior of a dielectric film with a few-nm thickness.
This manifests itself in plasmonic oscillations of polarization and a
significant population of the conduction band evolving on a femtosecond time
scale. These phenomena are due a combination of both adiabatic (reversible) and
diabatic (for practical purposes irreversible) pathways.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure