Optical parametric amplifier to study intense light-matter interactions

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The research to be supported by the requested equipment intends to provide insight into the way intense ultrashort light pulses interact with matter - molecules and solids. In molecules, it allows us to understand how electrons are correlated and collectively respond to an optical excitation. Since collective processes are responsible for most of the observed phenomena in complex systems it is extremely important in science and technology yet almost unexplored. In solids, it allows us to understand how light can permanently modify material properties with nanometer precision in three dimensions. Controlled manipulation has technological significance as it enables fabrication of embedded photonic devices, but is still elusive. In biological systems, our research will provide a better understanding of the photodisruption process and ways to minimize damage to healthy tissues.      The equipment requested consists of a laser that emits intense ultrashort light pulses of variable wavelengths and broadband optics. The laser operation relies on an amplification process based on nonlinear optics. Since the mechanisms of light-matter interactions depend on the wavelength of light such a laser is crucial as it allows to control the interaction process.      The anticipated outcome of this research is a better understanding of multi-electron dynamics in complex systems. This is important for emerging technologies like nano-optics and molecular electronics and in strong field physics and attosecond science. Canada is a world leader in attosecond science and this research will consolidate its leadership role. Research on solids will lead to development of techniques to control energy deposition in matter. Such a control enables nanoscale manipulation of matter. This would ultimately lead to fabrication and in-situ repair of novel multifunctional photonics devices and provide new bio-diagnostic tools to image and perform laser surgery.