REU Site: Optics and Laser Physics

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This award supports a new REU site in the Physics Department at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The site intends to engage undergraduate students for ten weeks during the summer with exciting research that is centered on optics and laser physics, and to assist the professional development of the students. Optics and Laser Physics affects all areas of physics, many other sciences, and everyday lives. Ongoing research at UNL includes exploring the ultra-energetic, with laser energy densities currently exceeding that of the solar interior, and the ultrafast, with time resolution sufficient to "see" individual atoms move in a molecule. The Optics and Laser Physics program combines state of the art experimental research with powerful theoretical support. Technological applications include switching magnetic domains with ultrafast lasers to improve data storage and retrieval rates. The professional development program for students includes a seminar, attendance and contribution to a research seminar, visits to local optics-related industry, a job orientation, GRE preparation, and graduate school selection preparation.