The department Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials (USCM) (part of Institute for Molecules and Materials) is dedicated to addressing how short-range quantum interactions can manifest in macroscopic correlations. In order to understand ultrafast processes in the correlated materials several novel experimental approaches allowing time-resolved measurements with subpicosecond resolution are applied. The department benefits from the facilities of HFML-FELIX.
Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials
Department
Research
Magnetism, ferroelectricity and superconductivity are the examples showing that short-range quantum interactions can evolve in macro scale correlations. Although the physics of these materials in thermodynamic equilibrium is relatively well understood, understanding the response of these media to ultrashort (faster than 0.1 ns) excitation is among the challenges of contemporary science. Such an excitation brings the medium into a strongly non-equilibrium state in which a conventional description of magnetism, ferroelectricity, multiferroicity and superconductivity in terms of thermodynamics is no longer valid.
The department Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials (USCM) aims to tackle this problem with the help of novel experimental approaches allowing time-resolved measurements with subpicosecond resolution.
Experimental approaches
- Femtosecond Single Shot Imaging
- Time Domain THz-spectroscopy
- Time-resolved measurements in High Magnetic Fields up to 37.5 Tesla
- Sub-10 fs laser pulses
Our Labs
- Amplified femtosecond Ti: Sapphire laser systems (30-100 fs pulse duration; 0.4 – 10 μm tuneable wavelength):
- Single-shot imaging systems, optical pump-probe setups, THz time domain pump-probe setups
- Cryostat with 7 Tesla magnet, optical cryostats
- SNOM setup
An important part of our research activities was the development of novel experimental methods for both controlling and probing the magnetic state of a medium with the help of light. At the HFML we have built a unique setup to study ultrafast processes in fields up to 38 Tesla . We are also developing a beam-station at the Free-electron laser FELIX.
Open PhD and PD positions
We regularly have open PhD positions as well as a possible postdoc position. Experience with the following techniques will be considered as an advantage: magneto-optics, ultrashort pulses, THz spectroscopy, strong-field mid- and far-infrared optics. Excellent candidates with a background in physics or materials science please email your CV with a brief description of your research interests to Dima Afanasiev and Alexey Kimel. Please provide the names of the referees who can provide recommendation letters upon request.
Bloembergen-Shen laser spectroscopy seminar series
The Institute for Molecules and Materials of Radboud University is world-wide leading in advanced laser spectroscopy to probe and manipulate (magnetic) materials on ultrashort time scales. To further stimulate existing interactions between different departments, we organize a joint seminar, dedicated to the recent advances in laser spectroscopy. It is named after N. Bloembergen and Y.R. Shen – pioneers in laser spectroscopy and non-linear optics. Their seminal work on stimulated Raman scattering of light by magnons [1] paved the way to laser control of magnetism, ultrafast magnetism and opto-magnetism.
[1] Y. R. Shen and N. Bloembergen, Theory of Stimulated Brillouin and Raman Scattering, Phys. Rev. 137, A1787 (1965)
Organization
The seminar is organized by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Condensed Matter Physics departments and coordinated by Johan Mentink.
Format
The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. Distinct from usual group seminars, there is an emphasis to spend time on general physics challenges and the specific methods/techniques, not just flashing results. We hope this will stimulate more cross-IMM research harnessing each other's expertise to push the borders of physics. The seminar should be accessible to master students and potential master students. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule
The seminar will be held every second Monday of the month.
Katsnelson debating theoretical physics seminar
At Radboud University we are passionate about uncovering the mysteries of modern physics and the fundamental laws of nature. Therefore, we organize a monthly seminar on debating theoretical physics, where leading scientist present lectures to stimulate debates on modern topics in theoretical physics across different departments and expertises, thereby cultivating the strength in theoretical physics.
The seminar is named after prof. Misha Katsnelson, professor of theoretical condensed matter physics at Radboud University since 2004. His work covers the whole field of condensed matter theory, with main achievements in magnetism, strongly correlated systems and graphene. Andre Geim wrote in his Nobel lecture 2010: “Our rapid progress would be impossible without Misha Katsnelson who provided us with all the theoretical help an experimentalist can only dream of”.
Organization
The seminar is organized by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Theory of Condensed Matter departments and coordinated by Johan Mentink
Format
We intend to make this a seminar in the style of the famous Ehrenfest colloquia, in which debates on theoretical physics were central and stimulated physics to the highest level. To this end we invite excellent speakers capable of taking a controversial position on a hotly debated contemporary topic in theoretical physics. The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule
The seminar will be held every third Thursday of the month.
Academic staff
Below are the professors and assistant professors of the department of Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials. Chair of the department is Prof. Aleksei Kimel.
Bloembergen-Shen laser spectroscopy seminar series
The Institute for Molecules and Materials of Radboud University is world-wide leading in advanced laser spectroscopy to probe and manipulate (magnetic) materials on ultrashort time scales. To further stimulate existing interactions between different departments, we organize a joint seminar, dedicated to the recent advances in laser spectroscopy. It is named after N. Bloembergen and Y.R. Shen – pioneers in laser spectroscopy and non-linear optics. Their seminal work on stimulated Raman scattering of light by magnons [1] paved the way to laser control of magnetism, ultrafast magnetism and opto-magnetism.
[1] Y. R. Shen and N. Bloembergen, Theory of Stimulated Brillouin and Raman Scattering, Phys. Rev. 137, A1787 (1965)
Organization
The seminar is organized by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Condensed Matter Physics departments and coordinated by Johan Mentink.
Format
The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. Distinct from usual group seminars, there is an emphasis to spend time on general physics challenges and the specific methods/techniques, not just flashing results. We hope this will stimulate more cross-IMM research harnessing each other's expertise to push the borders of physics. The seminar should be accessible to master students and potential master students. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule
The seminar will be held every second Monday of the month.