Nanoscale manipulation of matter with light

巴德瓦吉博士的研究涉及使用飞秒激光器产生的短于万亿分之一秒的光脉冲，来探测和操纵物质在自然时间和长度尺度上的特性。在像玻璃这样的透明材料中，他的研究重点是了解光如何以比人体细胞尺寸小百倍的精度永久性地改变材料的3D特性。这样的操作将导致制造出新颖的、多层的、嵌入式的微型光子器件，这些器件将增强沿光网络和生物传感应用的数据传输。将他的研究扩展到生物系统，他将探索使用光脉冲进行组织处理，并有选择地相互作用，探测，操纵和破坏活细胞的单个元素。该研究对激光手术、药物开发和基因治疗具有重要意义。在基础层面上，他将研究分子，所有物质的基本单位，以了解光与物质相互作用的微观过程。具体来说，他将讨论分子中的电子在与光相互作用时的集体反应。这种理解对于纳米光子学、分子电子学、阿秒科学、化学和生物学等新兴技术至关重要。加拿大在超短光脉冲科学，特别是强激光物理方面处于世界领先地位，这项研究将巩固其领导地位。Bhardwaj博士的研究处于科学技术的前沿，将增强我们对光与物质相互作用的理解。通过利用光，它将改善加拿大人的健康、安全和社会福利。

Dr. Bhardwaj's research involves using light pulses that are shorter than a trillionth of a second, produced by a femtosecond laser, to probe and manipulate properties of matter on their natural time and length scales. In transparent materials like glass, his research focuses on understanding how light permanently modifies material properties in 3D with a precision that is hundred times less than the size of human cell. Such a manipulation will lead to fabrication of novel, multi-layered, embedded, miniature photonic devices that will enhance data transmission along optical networks and for bio-sensing applications. Extending his research to biological systems, he will explore use of light pulses for tissue processing and to selectively interact, probe, manipulate and destroy individual elements of live cells. This research is important for laser surgery, drug discovery and gene therapy. At a fundamental level he will study molecules, basic unit of all matter, to understand the microscopic processes involved in light-matter interaction. Specifically, he will address how electrons in a molecule collectively respond during interaction with light. Such an understanding is vital for new and emerging technologies like nano-photonics, molecular electronics and attosecond science, and in chemistry and biology. Canada is a world leader in the science of ultrashort light pulses, specifically intense laser physics, and this research will consolidate its leadership role. Dr. Bhardwaj's research, which is at the forefront of science and technology, will enhance our understanding of how light interacts with matter. By harnessing light it will lead to improvement in health, security and social well being of Canadians.