[Under construction]2014 AFOSR MURIStudying Ultrafast Electron Dynamics in Condensed Matter with Next GenPO: Dr. Riq Parra, Ultrashort Pulse Laser-Matter Interactions PI: Zenghu Chang, University of Central FloridaWebsite:
The main objective of this MURI program is to gain a deep understanding of the behavior of electrons in condensed matter on the attosecond time scale. A broad range of solid state and liquid systems will be investigated, which include Si, SiO2, graphene, solid C60, BN and GaN, Nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond and pure diamond,Cu2O, ZnO:Te, CoFe2O4 and water, to give the first view of electrical conductivity and dielectric screening with attosecond temporal resolution.
The research will be carried out by a large-scale collaboration with the top experts in the attosecond community. To measure electron dynamics that approach the timescales of electron-electron correlation interactions, we propose to develop a next generation of isolated attosecond sources, which will be produced by a high energy (10 mJ), high repetition rate (1 kHz) driving laser with long central wavelength, 2 microns. The new source, with ultrashort pulse durations approaching 10 as and ultrabroadband spectra extending to 600 eV, which covers the absorption edge of Si, C, N and O will enable the access of the aforementioned complex systems of solids consisting of insulators, semiconductors, as well as liquids. We proposal to apply timedependent density functional theory and four types of pump-probe measurement schemes, Attosecond Streaking, Attosecond Transient Absorption, Attosecond Transient Reflectivity and Field-Induced Current to time-resolve electron motion in condensed matter.
The outcome of the propose research is critical to the development of revolutionary new platforms for high speed electronics, memory devices, sensors, detectors and high efficiency solar-cells. Understanding the Field-Induced Current is intended to lead to solid state oscilloscopes with 1000 times broader bandwidth than the present state-of-the-art, which will have profound impact on communications, remote sensing and other DoD applications.