Equipment Proposal: Establish a Laser Physics Research Facility

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The Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) program was established to provide support to strengthen the research environments and capabilities of predominantly minority institutions or institutions that have substantial minority student populations. Eligible institutions must also have graduate programs in science or programs in engineering. Funding is provided for faculty research in fields of science and engineering supported by the Foundation and for the acquisition of research instrumentation. Virginia State University will use RIMI support to establish a laser physics research facility. The facility will focus on the study of laser-induced damage mechanisms at semiconductor surfaces and will investigate defects and deep levels in semiconductors using wavelength modulation absorption spectroscopy. In addition, non-equilibriam damage effects occurring in crystals (metals and semiconductors) in the microsecond time range which are struck by powerful pulsed laser beams will be studied using polarized positive muons from the Brookhaven National Laboratory Alternating Gradient Synchrotron. Results from this project should expand the existing knowledge base of laser-induced damage in semiconductors by the conduct of research on gallium arsenide and silicon at subthreshold frequencies. The investigators have done research at several national laboratories (Fermi, Lawrence Livermore) and private sector laboratories (IBM, General Electric). The Foundation has supported this project because minorities will have greater opportunities to participate in meritorious laser research.