The Science & Technology Center will develop lasers and techniques to generate ultrafast optical pulses for probing fundamental processes in various scientific disciplines. The Center will have 3 main research thrusts: (1) Generation, amplification, manipulation, and measurement of ultrashort (femtosecond), ultrahigh peak power optical pulses; (2) Subsequent application of these pulses to research in disciplines such as atomic, molecular, plasma, and condensed matter physics; and (3) Advancements in photonics and electronics. A variety of new laser techniques will be investigated to produce even shorter, higher peak power pulses across the entire optical spectrum. Ultrashort optical pulses will be used in time-domain studies of ultrafast phenomena and ultrahigh field physics. Ultrafast electronic processes will be studied in quantum- confined semiconductors, high-temperature superconductors, and surface physics. Ultrashort optical pulses will generate picosecond electron bursts to study structural events in surface physics on the picosecond time scale. The photonics program will include generation, modulation, and detection of light at frequencies approaching one terahertz. In addition, the study of propagation and nonlinear effects in guided waves may lead the way to advancing integrated-optic devices. The research has the promise of making contributions to science in many different areas as well as contributions to technology--high-speed data transmission, optical computing, and high-speed photography. This Center will stimulate enhanced activity in precollege education and in the development of human resources.
