As conventional electronics approaches its ultimate limits, novel concepts of fast quantum control have been soughtafter. Lightwave electronics – the foundation of attosecond science – has opened a new arena by utilizing the oscillatingcarrier wave of intense light pulses to control electrons faster than a cycle of light. We employ atomically strongterahertz electromagnetic pulses to accelerate electrons through the entire Brillouin zone of solids, drive quasiparticlecollisions, and generate high-harmonic radiation as well as high-order sidebands. The unique band structures oftopological insulators allow for all-ballistic and quasi-relativistic acceleration of Dirac quasiparticles over distances aslarge as 0.5 μm. In monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides, we switch the electrons’ valley pseudospin, openingthe door to subcycle valleytronics. Finally, we show that lightwave electronics can be combined with ultimate atomicspatial resolution in state-selective ultrafast scanning tunneling microscopy.
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