Wavefunction engineered beams for studying and controlling matter out of equilibrium
Abstract
This proposal addresses the challenge of understanding and predicting the mechanical properties of polymers and composites. Known for their non-uniformity, these materials are particularly challenging to characterize when assessing their structural and mechanical characteristics. To overcome these challenges, we aim to develop novel mechanosensitive molecules that can provide optical feedback, allowing for the precise measurement of mechanical forces within polymer matrices. This approach offers the potential to revolutionize our understanding of material behaviour, with implications extending to fields like mechanobiology and solid-state physics. Scientific Goals- The primary scientific objective of this project is to design optically active sensory molecules capable of visualizing and measuring mechanical forces in polymers through changes in optical properties like absorptive colour or light produced via luminescence. These molecules are intended to offer single-molecule resolution and operate on timescales that match those of interest in the tested materials. The project s novelty lies in achieving this combination of features and will address the fundamental question of how to rationally design molecular sensors with mechanical sensitivity. Project Plan- The project will progress through several phases. Initially, it will involve screening and selecting candidate chemical reactions, taking into account their ease of isomerization and their ability to undergo significant geometrical changes. Subsequently, candidate probe reactions will be identified and tuned by altering the length of probe molecules. In the final phase, the research will validate the developed sensors in a polymer environment, specifically within thermoset network polymers. This validation will provide insights into the impact of molecular imperfections on the mechanical properties of these materials. In summary, our research has potential to transform our understanding of material mechanics, especially in the context of complex materials like polymers. The project s core scientific objectives, background, and innovative approach are aimed at making groundbreaking contributions to materials science in both fundamental and practical aspects of research. Irradiation of solids with ultrashort pulse lasers (USPL) in the mid-IR spectral region is a yet predominantly unexplored field. An ab initio theoretical method will be further developed (1) based on the self-consistent solution of the coupled three-dimensional time-dependent Schrodinger and Maxwell s equations for the description of ultrashort laser-solid interactions that is free from zero-frequency divergences (2) and produces finite results for the non-linear optical response of crystals. The realistic band structure is calculated using the empirical pseudo-potential method. Theoretical and numerical calculation of the photo excitation, non-equilibrium carrier dynamics, energy deposition, nonlinear optical response and polarization dependent high harmonic generation in centrosymmetric (silicon) and non-centrosymmetric semiconductors ( zinc oxide) irradiated with intense infrared laser pulses with varying pulse duration will be performed. In addition, experimental investigation is planned to be carried out for benchmarking the theoretical predictions. The results from the proposed investigation will contribute to the development of concepts for monochromatic, tunable laser-based sources of secondary photons (mainly extreme ultraviolet) as well as concepts for high peak power laser architectures and technology that efficiently scale up to new wavelengths of operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2025
- Source ID
- FA86552417015
Entities
People
- Fabrizio Carbone
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
- United States Air Force