Understanding and controlling emergent phases in low-dimensional systems is a key challenge in condensed matter physics. Van der Waals (vdW) materials, composed of atomically thin layers, provide an ideal platform for addressing this challenge. In this internship, which is expected to lead to a PhD thesis, the student will use laser-based techniques to induce phase transitions in the least dissipative and fastest ways. This will be achieved by using a novel ultrafast Raman scattering set-up capable of “probing” how the electronic ground state is modified by a “pump” pulse with sub-picosecond time resolution. During the internship the technique will be applied to 2D vdW transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) like TaS2 and NbSe2 displaying CDW order coexisting with either chiral or superconducting order.