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description of magnetism, ferroelectricity, multiferroicity and superconductivity in terms of thermodynamics is no longer valid.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.
Internships
Would you like to do your internship at the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials department? Please get in touch with Alexey Kimel for more information. A few examples of relevant subjects are:
- All-optical magnetisation reversal in rare earth transition metal alloys
- Spectral phase measurements of Second Harmonic Generation
- Sensitive schemes for magneto-optical measurements
- Laser induced electric polarization
- Heat-induced domain wall motion in ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers
- THz emission spectroscopy with subwavelength spatial resolution
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.
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.
Contact information
Postal address
Postbus 90106500GL NIJMEGEN