Overview
The fundamental research activities of the NCLA centre on the investigation of hybrid, short pulse, laser micro- and nano-scale structuring of materials.
Understanding the laser, material, and ambient interaction is integral to this research activity.
Research activities investigate new laser processing methodologies, suitable for advanced manufacturing, involving high repetition rate laser sources, emitting pulses of nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond durations.
Structuring materials on micrometre and nanometre spatial scales form the principal application under investigation in our laboratory. Laser ablation of materials, using temporally and spatially shaped laser pulses, is typically applied to develop new micro-scale structuring processes for metals, semiconductors, polymers, and glasses. Real time and off-line characterisation tools, with numercial simulations, are used to understand the process mechanisms and limitations.
Nanoscale structuring typically centres on understanding the evolution of laser ablated matter in different processing environments. Here the emphasis is on understanding the nucleation and aggregation of the laser ablated species as the ablated plume propagates through the ambient.
Hybrid processes seek to create highly efficient laser processes through the incorporation of an additional stimulus or component which enhances the laser material and ambient interaction.
The research is underpinned by the development of technologies for materials and process characterisation. These tools include real-time visualisation and spectral analysis of laser material interactions, optical, electron, and atomic force microscopies and other application - specific characterisation techniques.
Research Themes |
Leagan Gaeilge
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