Professor Simon Hooker

Abstract:

We describe experiments that demonstrate the detrimental effect of a prepulse on the femtosecond-pulse-driven Xe IX laser. The mechanism of this effect is discussed in terms of the results of a hydrodynamic model of the preplasma formed by the prepulse. The benefit of inserting a simple electro-optic switch that allows full transmission of the main driving pulse, but reduces the prepulse to a level at which no preplasma is formed, is demonstrated experimentally. © 1997 Optical Society of America.

Abstract:

Hooker explores current work in the XUV and soft x-ray spectral region aimed at achieving "table-top" short-wavelength lasers.

Abstract:

We present measurements of the net-induced gain on the 5d-4f transition at 186 nm in LiYF4:Nd3+ optically pumped by radiation from a molecular fluorine laser. It is found that for LiYF4: Nd3+ one of a series of potential continuously tunable VUV lasers, relatively strong excited-state absorption results in net-induced loss. The prospects for VUV laser operation being realised in other rare-earth-doped fluorides is discussed.

Abstract:

Results are presented on the ablation by 157 nm laser radiation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with 1% of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinking monomer. Direct photoetching of PHB and undoped PTFE is demonstrated for laser fluences ranging from 0.05 to 0.8 J/cm2. The dependence of the ablation process on the polymer structure is analyzed, and insight into the ablation mechanism is gained from an analysis of the data using Beer-Lambert's law and the kinetic model of the moving interface. Consideration of the absorbed energy density required to initiate significant ablation suggests that the photoetching mechanism is similar for all the polymers studied. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.