{"id":93,"date":"2024-09-26T20:42:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/?p=93"},"modified":"2024-11-07T16:01:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T16:01:43","slug":"laser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/laser\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser accelerates advanced manufacturing capabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u202fA new laser is solidifying Nebraska\u2019s position at the forefront of a specialized method of surface modification that is driving advances in space, defense, medicine and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 such as metals, ceramics and more \u2013 change their micro- and nanoscale features.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The laser allows researchers to overcome a longstanding barrier to FLSP\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the new laser, we\u2019ve made major advances in processing rates that have advanced our existing research programs and helped us attract new funding from federal agencies and industry,\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Tangor 300 laser produced by Amplitude.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The new funding includes a $1.6 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aimed at developing scalable technologies to control \u201chot spots\u201d in next-generation electronics. Nebraska\u2019s effort is part of a $9.2 million project led by Northrop Grumman. Nebraska\u2019s laser has also attracted funding from the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers launched a startup called Integrated Functionalized Materials to harness this momentum.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s physical and chemical properties.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re also using FLSP to enhance heat transfer and for space applications, including surfaces for satellite components. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new laser, a Tangor 300 produced by Amplitude, is opening doors for Husker students. About 25 participate in the center\u2019s research, collaborating across disciplines and gaining experience for future careers in industry and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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