Optical Spectroscopy and Control of Complex Materials

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In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division and the Solid State Chemistry Program of the Division of Materials Research, Nelson will conduct research in time resolved optical spectroscopy and coherent optical control of condensed matter systems. The complex dynamics of disordered and partially disordered materials will be studied over time scales ranging from femtoseconds to milliseconds. Supercooled glass-forming liquids and ferroelectric crystals, both of which exhibit complex dynamical behavior that changes sharply as a function of temperature, will be investigated. Novel methods for far-infrared, or terahertz (THz) frequency spectroscopy, as well as automated methods for spatiotemporal femtosecond pulse shaping will be exploited for generating intense, focused THz beams with field levels exceeding 2 MV/cm. This research is concerned with the complex dynamical behavior of condensed matter, mainly solids, ferroelectric media and supercooled liquids. Novel high frequency infrared methods, including terahertz echoes will be developed. The work has the potential of leading to practical devices. Students and postdoctoral research associates participate in this research. Nelson will also conduct an ambitious outreach program to bring research experiences in physical chemistry/chemical physics to secondary school students