Femtosecond Laser System for Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials
Abstract
This proposal focuses on the acquisition of state-of-the-art "Spectra-Physics" femtosecond laser system in order to conduct cutting-edge spectroscopic studies of nonequilibrium dynamics in quantum materials at the fundamental timescales of atomic and electronic motion, and to train STEM students in the area of ultrafast science and condensed matter physics. The laser system generates optical pulses of <35 fs duration, 7 mJ/pulse energy at 1 kHz repetition rate with unmatched pulse-to-pulse stability and provides entirely computer-controlled laser pulse tuning within 290-2600 nm spectral range. This instrument will enable advanced and unique experiments on matter far from equilibrium, and will be used as a source of femtosecond pulses for state-of-the-art ultrafast optical scatterometers recently built in our lab, as well as for pump-probe transient reflection/transmission, four-wave-mixing and THz optical setups, for optical parametric amplifiers, Z-scan and other equipment existing in the lab. The femtosecond laser system will enable qualitatively new artifact-free observations of fundamental processes and novel quantum phases in strongly correlated materials upon photoexcitation. It will help to extend the research program of the PIsÕ group to a broad range of electronic materials and to elucidate the evolution of excited states in 2D materials, high-Tc superconductors, magnetic materials, topological insulators/semimetals/superconductors and semiconductor quantum wells. By using highly stable and spectrally-tunable ~35 fs laser pulses we will be able to drive selective modes of quantum materials, excite or destroy quasiparticles, excite specific polariton modes in semiconductors, metals and complex composite materials. By selective excitation of several vibrational modes we will be able to accelerate or slow down the phase transition processes, providing unique control for the artificial formation of intermediate nonequilibrium phases. With new equipment we will be able to find possibilities to selectively probe specific degrees of freedom in solids, to separate and characterize electronic and lattice dynamics upon optical excitation, and to elucidate the dynamics of ÒintertwinedÓ order parameters and spontaneously broken symmetries of correlated materials. The acquisition of the new ÒSpectra-PhysicsÓ laser system will build new capacity for research activities and STEM student training in the field of ultrafast science and condensed matter physics at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (UPRM). Moreover, the project will provide direct impact on the Materials Science Research and Physics Community at the regional level. Multi-user access to the laser system will significantly increase the research activity of the Physics Department at UPRM, which is at a crucial stage in its academic development. The project will provide an excellent educational and training opportunity for students at the University of Puerto Rico, the higher learning institution serving the largest number of Hispanic STEM students in the United States. Students will receive deep training to operate state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems which are becoming more common in National Labs and in US industry. This project will also provide a solid basement for the expansion of the first OSA Student Chapter in Puerto Rico founded this year by the PIsÕ students together with the PIs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910480
Entities
People
- Sergiy Lysenko
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez