A new laser is solidifying Nebraska’s position at the forefront of a specialized method of surface modification that is driving advances in space, defense, medicine and beyond.
Craig Zuhlke (left), associate professor of electrical and computer engineering; George Gogos (back), Wilmer J. and Sally L. Hergenrader Professor of mechanical and materials engineering; and Graham Kaufman (front), doctoral student in electrical engineering, pose with the Leybold ultra-high vacuum laser surface processing and materials analysis system in the Engineering Research Center.
The Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces acquired a first-of-its-kind laser in the United States with funding from the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. The instrument unlocks new potential for femtosecond laser surface processing, or FLSP, an approach where ultrafast laser pulses aimed at a range of materials – such as metals, ceramics and more – change their micro- and nanoscale features.
The laser allows researchers to overcome a longstanding barrier to FLSP’s widespread industrial use: scalability. Until now, the available technology and techniques allowed production of only tiny samples. The new instrument functionalizes surfaces about 50 times faster than previous lasers, enabling the team to produce larger quantities of raw materials with tailored surface properties.
“With the new laser, we’ve made major advances in processing rates that have advanced our existing research programs and helped us attract new funding from federal agencies and industry,” said Craig Zuhlke, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. Zuhlke and George Gogos, Wilmer J. and Sally Hergenrader Chair of Mechanical Engineering, co-direct the center.
The new funding includes a $1.6 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aimed at developing scalable technologies to control “hot spots” in next-generation electronics. Nebraska’s effort is part of a $9.2 million project led by Northrop Grumman. Nebraska’s laser has also attracted funding from the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.
The researchers launched a startup called Integrated Functionalized Materials to harness this momentum.
FLSP poses significant advantages over the paints and coatings traditionally used to modify surfaces, which require a toxic manufacturing process and peel off over time. FLSP is a customizable, single-step process that permanently changes a surface’s physical and chemical properties.
Because of its unique interdisciplinary approach, Nebraska has been an international leader in FLSP for more than a decade. The new laser is enabling Husker researchers to advance work developing antimicrobial, water-repellant and drag-reducing surfaces. They’re also using FLSP to enhance heat transfer and for space applications, including surfaces for satellite components.
The new laser, a Tangor 300 produced by Amplitude, is opening doors for Husker students. About 25 participate in the center’s research, collaborating across disciplines and gaining experience for future careers in industry and research.