Project Outcomes Report

Collaborative Research: Imaging and Controlling Ultrafast Dynamics of Atoms, Molecules and Nanostructures

NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2
Nebraska OIA-1430519
Kansas OIA-1430493

1 August 2014 – 31 July 2018

Intellectual Merit

This collaborative research project comprises two major Research Thrusts.  Research Thrust 1 has focused on imaging and controlling ultrafast dynamics of atoms and molecules using ultrashort pulses of electrons and light, ranging from the infrared to the hard X-ray part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Significant experimental and theoretical advances have been made in developing and analyzing two-color, high-order harmonic generation (HHG) schemes for enhancing HHG rates; on improving theoretical descriptions of strong field ionization processes for both atoms and polar molecules; on developing tabletop sources of X-rays; on experimental studies of molecular breakup processes initiated by inner-shell ionization processes; on developing novel ultrafast electron pulse sources for electron diffraction experiments; and on advancing theoretical analyses of light-induced electron diffraction processes.

Research Thrust 2 has focused on understanding how to control the ultrafast dielectronic response and dynamics of electrons in nanostructures using pulses of light.  It includes nanostructure design, coherent electron beams, and optoelectronics.    Significant advances have been made on the development of methods to grow nano-wires; on optical control of electron emission from nano-tips, nano-sized GaAs wedges, and chiral nano-structured surfaces; on measurement of spin polarizations of emitted photoelectrons; on discovery of a new photoemission phenomenon (sub-additivity); on inter-layer electron transport in two-dimensional materials; on nonlinear excitation of photochromic molecules on arrays of nanorods; on theoretical modelling, both quantum and classical, of photoemission spectra from various nanostructures; and on novel applications of our research findings.

Broader Impacts

In both research thrusts, a significant outcome enabled by this grant is the establishment of new collaborations between physicists, chemists, and engineers in both Kansas and Nebraska. These new collaborations have enabled the research teams to study novel problems requiring interdisciplinary expertise.  These new interdisciplinary collaborations are likely to continue.

The Nebraska-Kansas consortium also succeeded in building upon existing expertise and programs to create a cohesive and effective Research-Based Education and Workforce Development portfolio. Not only were more Kansas and Nebraska 7^th through 12^th grade students and teachers provided an opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) physical and chemical processes through the proposed summer workshops and programs, Kansas elementary teachers and KU TRIO Program students were also provided this opportunity. TRIO refers to the three original U.S. federal programs (now eight) funded to increase access to higher education opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Through the mentorship of the Track-2 project researchers, small college faculty members and undergraduate students gained expertise in AMO science. These experiences fostered new collaborations between AMO researchers and the small college faculty members allowing them to enhance their curricula and encourage their students to pursue graduate and summer research opportunities. All of the project’s activities were effective in increasing the participation of diverse groups, especially in rural communities within each state.

Last Modified: 09/04/2018
Modified by: F. Fred Choobineh