Femtosecond Streak Camera for Studying the Role of Laser-Induced Plasmas in Ultrafast Light-Matter Interactions
Abstract
Femtosecond Streak Camera for Studying the Role of Laser-Induced Plasmas in Ultrafast Light-Matter InteractionsDURIP funding is requested to purchase a Hamamatsu femtosecond streak camera to study the role that laser induced plasmas play in femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) of metallic surfaces, and in understanding the strong field enhancement phenomena in nonlinear plasmonic devices. Our ONR funded research program is centered on the ability to enable independent control and tune the surface properties of virtually any metal, without the use of coatings, by controlling surface features at the micron and nanoscales; controlling surface chemistry, either during or after FLSP; and controlling subsurface grain/crystal structure. Functionalization of metallic surfaces using FLSP can lead to a transformation in many DoD and industrial sectors since various desirable properties can be introduced that enhance heat transfer (i.e. cooling of high-power laser diodes), enhance/reduce drag, tailor optical absorption/emissivity properties, and provide antimicrobial and anti-icing properties. The femtosecond streak camera will enable studies towards understanding the fundamental role of laser-induced plasmas in the formation of self-organized micro/nanoscale surface features as well as the underlying microstructure and surface chemistry. The Center for Electro-Optics and Functionalized Surfaces (CEFS) now understands, through 10 years of previous research, that femtosecond laser-induced plasmas play an important role in FLSP in the formation processes of the micro/nanoscale structures, the subsurface grain/crystal structure, and the surface chemistry. There is currently little understanding in the laser light-matter interaction community of the role that laser-induced plasmas play in FLSP formation dynamics. In order to fully understand the formation processes of FLSP structures, and provide further control in tailoring the features for specific applications, studies need to be carried out on the role that laser-induced plasmas play (especially the electron plasma heating dynamics) in FLSP structure formation. For example, a significant breakthrough has recently been achieved with ONR funding by developing a dual-pulse FLSP technique that allows for the functionalization of noble metals such as silver, for the first time, and significantly increases the efficiency and repeatability in functionalizing copper, an important thermal management material. We believe that a major advantage of the dual-pulse technique over the use of single pulses is the ability to provide some control over the complex dynamics of laser-induced plasmas and the electron-phonon coupling processes. The proposed DURIP instrumentation will allow for the study of ultra-fast laser light-matter interactions and the subsequently induced plasmas physics processes on the femtosecond and picosecond timescales. The ability to measure light phenomena with sub-picosecond resolution allows for the study of the early stages of laser-induced plasma formation as well as light-matter interaction phenomena with femtosecond double-pulses spaced on the sub-picosecond to tens of picosecond timescale. Although FLSP has been carried out now for several years, the role of the plasma in the formation of the unique surface features is not well understood. The DURIP instrumentation is an essential piece of equipment for CEFS for understanding the fundamental role that plasmas play in forming micro/nanoscale surface features on metallic surfaces without the use of coatings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 08, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012514
Entities
People
- Craig Zuhlke
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Nebraska system