Laser-assisted internal and surface microstructuring of materials

The study of laser-induced damage and breakdown of materials is nearly as old as the laser itself. Ranging from investigation of the interaction of lasers with materials to avoid damage to purposefully using the laser as a precise tool to impart damage. This talk presents the research ongoing in our laboratory towards fundamental understanding of damage mechanisms and novel applications of microstructuring processes using femtosecond laser pulses. Three experiments are presented: the use of femtosecond laser pulses in the processing of transparent materials such as glass or diamond, pump-probe investigation of carrier and lattice dynamics through observation of the broadband dielectric function, and surface texturing of silicon through laser-assisted ion-etching. We will discuss the scope and methods involved in each experiment and the goals for application of each method.