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Launch of the FASLIGHT network

Launch of the FASLIGHT network

The Research Network “Fundamentals and Applications of Structured Light” FASLIGHT has already started.

This network has emerged within the framework of the «Redes de Investigación» call within the framework of the Programa Estatal para Impulsar la Investigación Científico-Técnica y su Transferencia, del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación 2021-2023. The action will last 2 years, starting in June 2023 and has received €20,300 in funding from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación.

The objective of the FASLIGHT network is to create a Spanish structured light network, uniting scientific groups with diverse experience in fundamental and applied physics, but with common points in the use of structured light. For this it is intended:

  • Establish a collaboration framework beyond the already existing bilateral collaborations under the umbrella of structured light, in which research groups from various fields of specialization can share their work, discuss novel ideas and promote new collaborations.
  • Activate new collaborations between Spanish groups that make use of structured light and explore potential collaborations between distant research fields.
  • Promote the international visibility of Spanish groups that work within the framework of structured light.
  • Motivate future project proposals, including European funds such as Marie Curie ITN, PATHFINDER, etc., and national and regional funds.
  • Promote the use of structured light as a key transformative technology in Spain.

The FASLIGHT network is made up of the following 15 nodes:

  1. Grupo de Aplicaciones del Láser y Fotónica, represented by Luis Plaja Rustein, from the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL).
  2. Estructuras fotónicas no lineales, represented by Albert Ferrando, from the Universitat de València (UV).
  3. Engineering physics group, represented by Ángel Paredes, from the Universidad de Vigo (UVigo).
  4. Attosecond and ultrafast x-ray optics (AUXO), represented by Antonio Picón, from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (AUM)
  5. Grupo de Fotónica Aplicada / Applied Photonics Group, represented by David Novoa from the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU).
  6. Grupo de Investigación de Óptica (GROC-UJI), represented by Enrique Tajahuerce, from the Universitat Jaume I (UJI).
  7. Grupo de investigación en luz estructurada de la Universidad de Zaragoza, represented by Francisco Javier Salgado Remacha, from the Universidad de Zaragoza (UZ)
  8. Quantum Nanophotonics Laboratory, represented by Gabriel Molina Terriza, from the Materials Physics Center.
  9. Grupo de Tecnología Óptica y Optoelectrónica – TecnOpto-UMH, represented by Ignacio Moreno, from the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH)
  10. Grupo de luz estructurada UCM: Control espacial/temporal de haces láser continuo/pulsado y sus aplicaciones, represented by Jose A. Rodrigo Martín-Romo, from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
  11. Laboratorio de Óptica (LOUM), represented by Juan Manuel Bueno, from the Universidad de Murcia (UMU).
  12. Grupo Photonics4Life, represented by María Teresa Flores Arias, from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC).
  13. Grupo Theory for Quantum Technologies Group (TQT group), represented by Miguel Ángel García March from the Universitat Politécnica de València (UPV)
  14. Grupo de Sistemas Complejos (GSC), represented by Miguel Ángel Porras, from the  Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
  15. Grupo Quantum Atom Optics (QAOS), represented by Verònica Ahufinger, from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
1 June, 2023 admin , , No comments
adminLaunch of the FASLIGHT network

Announcement of defense of doctoral thesis – Javier Prada-Rodrigo

Announcement of defense of doctoral thesis – Javier Prada-Rodrigo
On June 8th, Javier Prada Rodrigo will present his doctoral thesis entitled “Formation and characterization of surface micro- and nanostructures in polymers and polymeric nanocomposites prepared by irradiation with pulsed nano- and femtosecond lasers” and directed by the doctors D. Pablo Moreno Pedraz and Dª. Esther Rebollar González. 
 

The defense act will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Francisco de Vitoria classroom of the Escuelas Mayores Building.

31 May, 2023 admin , No comments
adminAnnouncement of defense of doctoral thesis – Javier Prada-Rodrigo

Announcement of defense of doctoral thesis – Miguel López Ripa

Announcement of defense of doctoral thesis – Miguel López Ripa

On May 26, Miguel López Ripa will present his doctoral thesis entitled “Development of ultra-stable characterization techniques for ultrashort laser beams” and directed by doctors D. Íñigo Juan Sola Larrañaga and Mr. Benjamin Alonso Fernandez.

The defense act will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Francisco de Vitoria classroom of the Escuelas Mayores Building.

29 May, 2023 admin , No comments
adminAnnouncement of defense of doctoral thesis – Miguel López Ripa

Published the list of winners of the V Photo Contest “Día de la Luz”

Published the list of winners of the V Photo Contest “Día de la Luz”

On the occasion of the celebration on May 16 of the International Day of Light, the list of winners of the V “Day of Light” Photographic Contest organized by the Master’s Degree in Physics and Technology of Lasers (USAL – UVA) has been published. These  entities and organizations also collaborate:

The complete verdict can be read on the website of the Master’s Degree in Physics and Technology of Lasers.

Below we include the 4 award-winning photographs.

1st Category: Light Technologies and Optical Phenomena.

    • First prize for the photograph entitled “Levitation: the magic of planet Earth” taken by D. Adrián de la Fuente Ballesteros.

Description: The image represents a hologram of planet Earth generated with a mobile phone and a piece of methacrylate in the shape of an inverted pyramid. It is a three-dimensional photograph that constitutes an optical duplicate of an object and allows it to be observed from different viewing angles.

    • Second prize for the photograph entitled “A celestial reflection” taken by Ms. María Flores Ceballos.

Description: The image shows the well-known painting “The Sky of Salamanca” and its reflection created with the help of a CD, which acts as a small flat mirror. In this way, the painting apparently forms a complete circle.

2nd Category: The Laser.

    • First prize for the photograph entitled “Flúor Tonic” taken by Ms. Blanca Durán Salvador.

Description: Image where fluorescence is observed when we hit the tonic with a violet laser, comparing it with a green laser for which this phenomenon does not occur.

    • Second prize for the photograph entitled “Conducting the Light” taken by Mr. Mario Guerras Rodríguez.

Description: We trap laser light in a flow of water that forms a parabola towards the ground. The total reflection effect appears and the light cannot leave the water until it reaches the ground, as if it were a fiber optic cable.

Many thanks to all the participants and congratulations to the winners.

29 May, 2023 admin , No comments
adminPublished the list of winners of the V Photo Contest “Día de la Luz”

Lasers and nanostructured polymers and compounds: influence of properties and parameters

Lasers and nanostructured polymers and compounds: influence of properties and parameters

A study of the formation of Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) using near-infrared femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films deposited over gold substrates has been carried out. We report the influence of the gold substrate roughness and the PET film thickness on LIPSS formation and analyze it in terms of the features of the electric field distribution obtained by computer simulations using COMSOLTM. We obtain LIPSS with periods close to the irradiation wavelength as long as the aforementioned substrate and film parameters remain below certain threshold values, in particular for polymer thicknesses below 200 nm and substrate roughness of few nm. However, experiments show the impossibility of LIPSS formation for rough substrates as well as thick films above these threshold values. In our numerical simulations, we notice the generation of Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) in the film-substrate interface that gives rise to a periodical field pattern on the surface of the thin film. This periodicity is broken for a certain level of substrate roughness or film thickness. Moreover, the evolution of the period of the SPP as the substrate roughness and film thickness change for given laser parameters is qualitatively in good agreement with the experimental LIPSS period (below but close to the irradiation laser wavelength). In conclusion, the experimental findings are explained by the formation and behavior of SPP in the thin film-substrate interface. On these grounds, we propose that, for our case of study, this SPP formation and the subsequent inhomogeneous rise in temperature induced by the periodic field on the surface of the sample is the leading mechanism contributing to LIPSS formation.

More information at:  

Prada-Rodrigo, J., Rodríguez-Beltrán, R. I., Ezquerra, T. A., Moreno, P., & Rebollar, E. (2023). Influence of film thickness and substrate roughness on the formation of laser induced periodic surface structures in poly(ethylene terephthalate) films deposited over gold substrates. Optics & Laser Technology, 159, 109007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2022.109007
25 May, 2023 admin , No comments
adminLasers and nanostructured polymers and compounds: influence of properties and parameters

Post-doc position on theory of structured attosecond pulses applied to ultrafast magnetism 

Post-doc position on theory of structured attosecond pulses applied to ultrafast magnetism 

The University of Salamanca (Spain) invites application for a 2-year Postdoc position starting in September 2023. The position is part of the project ATTOSTRUCTURA, “Structured attosecond pulses for ultrafast nanoscience”, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 851201), supervised by Dr. Carlos Hernández-García, and with a duration of 5 years.

Application deadline: May 20th 2023

Download info
Project information

The postdoctoral researcher will enrol the project “Structured attosecond pulses for ultrafast nanoscience” at the Laser Applications and Photonics Research group (ALF-USAL) at University of Salamanca (https://laser.usal.es/alf/en/home/). ALF-USAL is an interdisciplinary Optics research group with expertise in both theory (strong-field physics, nonlinear optics, ultrafast phenomena, attosecond science) and experiments (ultrashort pulse characterization, pulse shaping, photonic crystals, ultrashort micro-machining). Some of the recent results have been published in high impact factor scientific journals:

 

Some of the recent results have been published in high impact factor scientific journals:

 

-“Generation of extreme-ultraviolet beams with time-varying orbital angular momentum”, L. Rego, K. M. Dorney, N. J. Brooks, Q. Nguyen, C-T. Liao, J. San Román, D. E. Couch, Allison Liu, E. Pisanty, M. Lewenstein, L. Plaja, H. C. Kapteyn, M. M. Murnane, C. Hernández-García, Science 364, eaaw9486 (2019). Highlighted in the media:

-“Controlling the polarization and vortex charge of attosecond high-harmonic beams via simultaneous spin-orbit momentum conservation”, K. M. Dorney, L. Rego, N. Brooks, J. San Román, C-T. Liao, J. L. Ellis, D. Zusin, C. Gentry, Q. Nguyen, J. M. Shaw, A. Picón, L. Plaja, H. C. Kapteyn, M. M. Murnane, C. Hernández-García, Nature Photonics 13, 123–130 (2019).

 

-“Extreme-Ultraviolet Vector-Vortex Beams from High Harmonic Generation“, Alba de las Heras,  Alok P. Pandey, Julio San Román, Javier Serrano, Elsa Baynard, Guillaume Dovillaire, Moana Pittman, Charles Durfee, Luis Plaja, Sophie Kazamias, Olivier Guilbaud, Carlos Hernández-García, Optica 9, 71-79 (2022).

 

-“Necklace-structured high harmonic generation for low-divergence, soft X-ray harmonic combs with tunable line spacing”, Laura Rego, Nathan J. Brooks, Quynh L. D. Nguyen, Julio San Román, Iona Binnie, Luis Plaja, Henry C. Kapteyn, Margaret M. Murnane, Carlos Hernández-García, Science Advances 8, eabj7380 (2022).

Job profile

The candidate will explore the application of ultrashort structured pulses in ultrafast magnetism, an emerging field that is opening exciting scenarios in laser-matter interaction at the most fundamental level, merging the fields of Optics and Magnetism. The candidate will count not only with the collaboration of the theory research team at ALF-USAL (Dr. Luis Plaja, Dr. Julio San Román, Dr. Enrique Conejero and Dr. Carlos Hernández-García), but also with the collaboration of the research group on simulation of magnetic nanostructures SINAMAG at USAL, in particular with Prof. Luis López-Díaz and Dr. Rocío Yanes.

Successful candidates will have the possibility to consolidate their own independent research lines and to promote collaborative research among the following research lines:

  • Development of theoretical simulations of strong-field laser-matter interactions.
  • Development of theoretical models to describe the interaction of ultrafast structured laser pulses with gases and solids.
  • Implementation of high-performance computing simulations of strong-field laser-matter interaction.
  • Theoretical study of the ultrafast generation of magnetic textures (such as skyrmionic structures or vortices) using structured laser pulses.
Job Functions
  • To develop and implement theoretical models of laser-matter interaction along the described research lines.
  • To conduct independent research as well as in collaboration with other members of the group.
  • Co-advise undergraduate and Master students at University of Salamanca.
Candidate Requirements

 

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry or related Engineering degree, at the date of recruitment, with experience in theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Photonics, Magnetism and/or Condensed matter physics.
  • Advanced skills in developing and implementing theoretical simulations of strong field laser-matter interaction, ultrafast magnetism and/or condensed matter physics.
  •  Demonstrable team working skills.
  • Advanced level of English.
  • Candidates should be able to demonstrate a promising track record of achievements appropriate to their research field and career stage. CVs will be evaluated taking into account the overall track record of the researcher in relation to their level of experience.
Contract conditions
  • Dynamic and international working environment.
  • Training and access to a wide range of scientific facilities.
  • Soft skills training.
  • Employment conditions:
      • Two-years full-time employment contract.
      • Gross salary of 2.750 €/month.
      • Starting date: September 2023.
  • Research Project: ATTOSTRUCTURA, “Structured attosecond pulses for ultrafast nanoscience”, funded by the European Research Council (ERC)
  • Workplace: Laser Applications and Photonics Research group (ALF-USAL) at University of Salamanca (https://laser.usal.es/alf/en/home/), Spain.

Interested candidates should send a CV (maximum 4 pages), a personal statement with interests and reasons for applying, and two recommendation letters to Dr. Carlos Hernández-García at alf@usal.es.

For further information and inquiries see Euraxess web page, or contact Dr. Carlos Hernández-García at alf@usal.es.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process is governed by the principles of publicity, equality, merit, and ability, constituting the effect one selecting body composed of representatives of the group of research of USAL.

The selection process will consist of two phases:

  1. Analysis phase and curricular value of all nominations received, classified on the basis of better adaptation of the Curriculum vitae to the profile established and compliance with the requirements.
  2. Personal interview: the three candidates with the highest scores in the Phase 1 will be selected for a personal interview.

SELECTION COMMISSION

The selection commission will be made up of Dr. Carlos Hernández-García, and two members of the research team Laser Applications and Photonics Research group (ALF-USAL) at Universidad de Salamanca.

More information about the project, the position and the application process can be found Euraxess web page. 

More info
20 April, 2023 admin , , No comments
adminPost-doc position on theory of structured attosecond pulses applied to ultrafast magnetism 

+Fisica – Espectroscopía de bolsillo

+Fisica – Espectroscopía de bolsillo

On April 25, our colleague Iñigo Sola will give the talk “Espectroscopia de Bolsillo” within the +Fisica program. It will take place at 1:00 p.m. in classroom III of the Trilingual Building at the University of Salamanca..

19 April, 2023 admin No comments
admin+Fisica – Espectroscopía de bolsillo

V Photo Contest “Day of Light”

V Photo Contest “Day of Light”

On the occasion of the proclamation of May 16 as “International Day of Light and Light-Based Technologies” by the United Nations Organization, the Master’s Degree in Laser Physics and Technology” announces the V edition of the Photo Contest “Day of the light”.

In the organization of the contest and formation of the jury participate:

The contest is open to undergraduate, master’s or doctoral students, professors and members of the university community of the University of Salamanca and the University of Valladolid, as well as graduates of the Master’s Degree in Laser Physics and Technology who are not part of the jur

The participation period is open until May 12. Each participant can send up to two photographs to each of the established categories:

  • Technologies of light and Optical Phenomena
  • The laser

4 prizes will be awarded:

  • First prize in the Light Technologies and Optical Phenomena category: 200 euros.
  • Second prize in the Light Technologies and Optical Phenomena category: 100 euros.
  • First prize in the Laser category: 200 euros.
  • Second prize in the Laser category: 100 euros.

In addition, those winners who are undergraduate, master’s or doctoral students will receive one year of free subscription to the Royal Spanish Physics Society with online access to the Physics Journal. The winning photographs will be published in the Pure and Applied Optics magazine of the Spanish Optical Society (SEDOPTICA).

The complete rules of the competition are available on the website of the Master’s Degree in Physics and Technology of Lasers (laser.usal.es/posgrado)

Organizacion concurso 2023
29 March, 2023 admin , No comments
adminV Photo Contest “Day of Light”

OP Session – Coulomb explosion as a potential new tool for the ultrafast imaging of single molecules

OP Session – Coulomb explosion as a potential new tool for the ultrafast imaging of single molecules

Benoit Richard, researcher in the Hamburg University, will give the seminar entitled “Coulomb explosion as a potential new tool for the ultrafast imaging of single molecules” on February 24 at 12:00.

The seminar will take place in classroom VII of the Edificio Trilingüe at the University of Salamanca.

18 January, 2023 admin No comments
adminOP Session – Coulomb explosion as a potential new tool for the ultrafast imaging of single molecules

Use of ultrashort laser pulses as a standard for fracture resistance testing

Use of ultrashort laser pulses as a standard for fracture resistance testing

The use of fracture mechanics for rationalizing the fracture behavior of cemented carbides is valid, as far as sharp cracks, free of residual stresses and subjected to a well-defined stress state are used for assessing fracture toughness. However, machining a very sharp notch on the surface of hardmetals for fracture toughness testing has been a critical issue during many years. Within this context, introduction of surface “through-thickness” _micronotches (SEμVNB) by means of ultrashort pulsed laser ablation (UPLA) is here proposed, implemented and analyzed as an innovative precracking-like route within flexural testing procedures for appropiated evaluation of fracture toughness of cemented carbides. UPLA parameters used for introducing the micronotch are optimized in terms of induced damage ahead of the notch tip. For comparison purposes, fracture toughness is also determined by means of flexural testing of previously cracked single-edge notch beams (SENB-Cracked) as well as specimens with V-notch tips sharpened through diamond polishing using a razor blade, and Palmqvist indentation microfracture method. The satisfactory agreement found between values measured using UPLA-micronotched and SENB-Cracked (reference) specimens allows to conclude that flexural testing of SEμVNB samples is a valid methodology for reliable determination of fracture toughness of hardmetals. This is feasible because of the extremely short time of laser-matter interaction. It yields small and somehow controlled damage in front of the notch tip as a result of shock wave propagation during ablation, which translates into effective precracking of SEμVNB specimens

More information at:  

Ortiz-Membrado, L., Liu, C., Prada-Rodrigo, J., Jiménez-Piqué, E., Lin, L. L., Moreno, P., Wang, M. S., & Llanes, L. (2022). Assessment of fracture toughness of cemented carbides by using a shallow notch produced by ultrashort pulsed laser ablation, and a comparative study with tests employing precracked specimens. International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, 108, 105949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2022.105949
25 December, 2022 admin , No comments
adminUse of ultrashort laser pulses as a standard for fracture resistance testing