Laser Material Interaction Science Group

The Laser Material Interaction Science Group uses LLNL’s laser capabilities to determine how lasers affect materials, how to process with lasers, how to prevent or cause laser damage, and how to measure and image using lasers.

With access to high-energy lasers with pulse widths from femtoseconds to nanoseconds, as well as continuous wave lasers, we determine laser effects on materials via heating and inducing shocks. Tampers enhance these shocks and improve our ability to study their effects.

Our lasers also enable us to take precision measurements with excellent resolution and sensitivity. We can perform high-quality imaging and metrology for materials science and biological applications.

Our group also supports the National Ignition Facility (NIF). We seek to understand the laser damage process from a scientific perspective. In addition, we help run the NIF optics loop, and we are investigating laser effects on materials for Department of Defense (DOD) applications.