The overall field of research within the Laser Material Processing program is the investigation of Ultrafast Light-Matter Interaction and its implications on material properties. The outcomes of this research aims towards the development of new trendsetting technologies using laser radiation.
The fundamental motivation of the program is the study and basic understanding of linear and non-linear absorption processes, pulse propagation, energy dissipation as well as physical processes in general on the surface and in the bulk of the material. Our studies cover a wide variety of materials, ranging from dielectrics to semiconductors to metals. Moreover, the influence of all these processes mentioned on dynamic and static material properties is a major part of our investigation.
The information gained is used to fabricate functional photonic devices such as 3D-waveguides, waveguide-couplers, waveguide multiplexers, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), functional surfaces, surface enhanced devices, MEMS, etc.
In addition to the direct modification of matter, we are using ultrashort-pulsed laser radiation to characterize materials on an atomic level using μ-Raman spectroscopy, SHG and THG, pump-probe experiments and many more. The understanding resulting from these studies is then directly used to optimize these fabrication processes, develop further post-process technologies and overcome disadvantageous material properties.
