Next Generation of High-power Ultrashort Pulse Laser for Transformative Surface Functionalization
Abstract
DURIP funding is being requested to purchase a high-power ultrashort pulse laser and high-speed galvo scanner to enable fundamentalresearch and research-related education on laser-matter interactions that can lead to transformative surface functionalization withmajor implications for the Department of Defense (DoD). The proposed instrument will enable fundamental research on laser-matter interactions and on applications requiring the use of ultrashort pulse lasers with both high pulse energy (i.e., several millijoules) and high repetition rate (i.e., 100+ kHz). The interdisciplinary team in the Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces (CEFS) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is working to develop a new, transformative approach to functionalize surfaces to address the vulnerabilities associated with paints and coatings. The approach involves the fundamental understanding of laser-matterinteractions at high-energy and high-repetition rate in femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP). It has important implications for many DoD application areas, including enhanced two-phase heat transfer for thermal management of electronic and optical devices;anti-microbial surfaces; anti-icing surfaces; drag-reducing surfaces; broadband absorbing/emitting surfaces for applications in solar, stealth, power beaming, and thermal management through radiative heat transfer. Laser-based surface functionalization has many advantages over traditional surface-modification techniques, such as paints and coatings or complicated nanofabrication methods, including: the production of a fully functionalized surface in a single processing step with competitive cost; the creation of highly permanent hierarchical micro- and nano-scale surface features composed of the original material and/or its derivatives; and the non-reliance on the use of toxic chemicals in wet processing. The proposed equipment will support Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded research that is centered on developing FLSP to enable independent control and tune the surface properties of metals, without the use of coatings, by using FLSP to control surface features at the micro- and nano-scales; control surface chemistry, either during or after FLSP; and control subsurface grain/crystal structure. The ONR funded research is currently focused on enhancing heat transfer and tailoring optical absorption/emissivity properties. CEFS has used successfully low repetition rate FLSP to create self-organized micro- and nano-scale structures, modify surface chemistry, and alter subsurface microstructure to impart unique properties on surfaces and optimize those surfaces for many of the applications listed above. A recent advancement in high-energy, high-repetition-rate ultrashort pulse laser technology offers exciting but untested opportunities to transform our understanding of laser-matter interactions for functionalizing surfaces. Previous generations of ultrashort pulse lasers, imposed tradeoffs between repetition rate and pulse energy that limited processing rates, had adverse cost ramifications, and ultimately hindered FLSP from progressing as an advanced manufacturing field. This new class of high-power ultrashort pulse laser will lead to a paradigm shift in the use of ultrashort pulse lasers in advanced manufacturing specifically for DoD applications. The proposed laser system will equip UNL with the ability to educate and provide workforce development on next generation of high-power ultrashort pulse laser technology that is likely to be prevalent among academia and industry in the near future. The research enabled by the proposed laser will lay the groundwork for an industrial transformation where raw materials will be available with tailored, micro- and nano-scale surface functionalization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312213
Entities
People
- Craig Zuhlke
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Nebraska system