Electron Dynamics During High-Power, Short-Pulsed Laser Interactions with Solids and Interfaces
Abstract
The objective of the research program is to explore the effects of spatially-confined ultrafast optical excitations of materials to a state of strong electron-phonon nonequilibrium on the evolution of the deposited energy, electronic scattering processes and resulting thermal transport properties.The inadequate physical understanding of the processes that control the temporal and spatial energy confinement in short-pulsed laser interactions with materials inhibits the advancement of laser processing applications. Therefore, the overarching goal of the proposed work is to investigate electronic excitation parameters and the material thermal response to high-power, short-pulse laser excitations at different spatial and temporal scales. In particular, this project investigates the combined effects of laser pulse properties and sample geometry on short-pulse laser processing of nanostructured materials in an effort to control the level of electronic excitation and resulting energy confinement based on laser and interfacial parameters. Using thermoreflectance-based laser techniques to probe samples on which electric fields are applied, this work also demonstrated the ability to continuously tune the phonon thermal conductivity of ferroelectric solids.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1011578
Entities
People
- Patrick E Hopkins
Organizations
- University of Virginia