Sub-Nanosecond Thermal Transport in Micro/Nanostructures

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

Interfacial thermal resistance and anomalous thermal diffusion strongly impede energy transport in high power, ultra-short pulse laser interactions, producing higher peak temperatures than expected from conventional long-time scale analyses. This may consequently enhance or diminish the effectiveness of the laser application. Through a comprehensive computational and experimental study, this research will investigate sub-nanosecond thermal transport in micro-and nanostructured materials. Molecular dynamics simulation and femtosecond laser experiments will be performed to characterized the two phenomena. Contemporary exploration of ultra-short length and time scales are creating opportunities for new nanotechnology developments. Future scientific progression will inevitably be concerned with the interaction of ultra-short time scale lasers and micro- and nanostructured materials, but current research in these combined extreme areas is limited. This project will reveal information essential to further advancements in sub-nanosecond laser diagnostics and processing of nanomaterials as well as provide an improved understanding of nanoscale thermal engineering.