Characterizing Laser-Ablated Surfaces with an AFM
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. TJ Hammond
Proposal
Lasers are common in experimental physics research labs. Making sure these lasers possess the expected beam shape plays a critical role in the accuracy of data acquisition. This project aims to compare the surface ablation caused by femtosecond and nanosecond lasers. By studying the ablated surfaces, we will consequently determine the beam quality of our lasers. We found the actual beam shape by having the laser of interest ablate a metal sample. This sample was then scanned by an Atomic Force Microscope, and the characterized surface was observed. Qualities such as shape and symmetry of the cavity were considered. The shapes of the cavities were not symmetrical nor circular as anticipated. This means that the laser of interest was not providing the expected circular beam shape
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Characterizing Laser-Ablated Surfaces with an AFM
Lasers are common in experimental physics research labs. Making sure these lasers possess the expected beam shape plays a critical role in the accuracy of data acquisition. This project aims to compare the surface ablation caused by femtosecond and nanosecond lasers. By studying the ablated surfaces, we will consequently determine the beam quality of our lasers. We found the actual beam shape by having the laser of interest ablate a metal sample. This sample was then scanned by an Atomic Force Microscope, and the characterized surface was observed. Qualities such as shape and symmetry of the cavity were considered. The shapes of the cavities were not symmetrical nor circular as anticipated. This means that the laser of interest was not providing the expected circular beam shape