I will discuss how irradiation of High Tc compounds with coherent electromagnetic radiation at mid-infrared frequencies can induce transient high temperature states that have striking similarities with equilibrium superconductors. These phases are observed at base temperatures as high as room temperature, underscoring the ability to impress coherence with light. This talk will cover the development of new experimental methods to characterize these transient phases, to measure optical, structural, electrical and magnetic properties at very fast speeds.