POWRE: Investigation of Laser-Target Interactions in Pulsed Laser Deposition Using a Picosecond, Tunable Free Electron Laser

本项目的目标是使用高平均功率、可调谐、快速重复频率、皮秒脉冲持续时间的自由电子激光(FEL)来研究脉冲激光烧蚀过程中激光与靶的相互作用。这项研究有望为确定优化薄膜性能的激光参数奠定基础，最终研究目标是生产高质量的薄膜和多层膜，特别是磁性和金属材料。理解薄膜沉积的出发点是了解激光与靶的相互作用和烧蚀材料羽流的产生。将研究三种材料：磁性材料(Co)、贵金属(Ag)和介电材料(LiNbO_3)。激光光源将是托马斯·杰斐逊国家加速器设施自由电子激光器。激光与目标的相互作用将通过超快泵浦-探测光学显微镜、烧蚀等离子体的光谱分析、泵浦-探测反射率和使用表面表征技术的异地研究来原位研究。%这是在妇女研究和教育职业机会(POWRE)计划下提供的一项研究增强拨款。这项研究将有助于提供与沉积薄膜、磁性和金属材料的多层膜相关的基本材料科学知识。该项目还强调将研究生参与研究纳入研究，并将研究成果纳入大学课堂活动，从而将研究与教育结合起来。该项目由材料研究司和MPS OMA(多学科活动办公室)共同支持。***

The goal of this project is to investigate laser-target interaction during pulsed laser ablation using a high average power, tunable, fast repetition rate, picosecond-pulse duration free electron laser (FEL). The study is expected to lay the groundwork for determining laser parameters for optimization of film properties with the ultimate research goal of producing high quality thin films and multilayers, specifically of magnetic and metallic materials. The starting point in understanding the deposition of thin films is understanding the laser-target interaction and the generation of the ablated material plume. Three materials will be studied: a magnetic material (Co), a noble metal (Ag), and a dielectric (LiNbO3). The laser source will be Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Free Electron Laser. The laser-target interaction will be studied in-situ by ultrafast pump-probe optical microscopy, spectral analysis of the ablated plasma, pump-probe reflectivity and ex-situ using surface characterization techniques.%%% This is a research enhancement grant made under the Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE) program. The research will contribute basic materials science knowledge relevant to the deposition of thin films and multilayers of magnetic and metallic materials. The project also places emphasis on the integration of research and education by incorporating graduate student participation into research and the results of research into classroom activities in a university setting. The project is co-supported by the Division of Materials Research, and the MPS OMA(Office of Multidisciplinary Activities). ***