Nanostructures, Polymers and Dense Fluids: Ultrafast Dynamics

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will focus on resolving primary picosecond and femtosecond dynamics under conditions of controlled size, density and distance, and to learn about structure-dynamics correlations and forces governing the transition to the condensed phase limit for various materials systems. Ultrafast laser spectroscopy will be used to probe real-time molecular dynamics of nanostructures in the condensed phase, studies of the photophysical and photochemical dynamics of polymers and materials under high pressure, and the use of novel and non-linear laser techniques will be used to examine and control selective processes in inhomogeneous systems. The potential for nanoscale materials and processes and their novel uses in various nanoscale device are just beginning to be realized for technologies such as communications, biotechnology, and various microelectromechanical systems. Students trained in science and engineering areas that explore the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials intermediate in size between isolated atoms/molecules and bulk materials, where phenomena length scales become comparable to the size of the structure, will be among those future scientists and engineers most relevant to advancing the emerging global economy.