Dynamics and Formation of Plasma Induced by Femtosecond Infrared Laser Pulses in Transparent Media

The project proposes an in-depth fundamental study of the formation and dynamics of plasma generated in solid transparent media under irradiation with femtosecond infrared laser pulses.

The main objectives are as follows:

• Conducting in-depth fundamental studies of plasma dynamics in transparent media induced by femtosecond (fs) laser pulses with wavelengths in the near- and mid-infrared regions
• Identifying and determining the dominant processes and their influence on plasma formation and dynamics by means of time- and space-resolved absorption measurements
• Determining the nonlinear properties of transparent media and their response induced by fs infrared laser pulses
• Assessing the influence of laser parameters on plasma formation and dynamics
• Maximizing the visibility of the obtained results and fostering new national and international collaborations
• Enhancing the professional qualification of the project’s research team at both national and international levels

The achievement of these objectives will be realized through a combination of:

• simultaneous measurements resolving time, space, and absorption
• investigation of the wavelength dependence of nonlinear absorption
• determination of ablation and damage thresholds
• real-time measurements of beam profile quality and pulse duration
• supporting the experimental interpretation through numerical simulations
• development and implementation of a dissemination, communication, and management plan

The achievement of the objectives will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between fs laser radiation and transparent media. This, in turn, will enable the determination of specific optimal conditions for plasma formation and relaxation dynamics, leading to the development of new technological applications. The successful implementation of the project will ensure new expertise and professional qualification for the research team.

Leader:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Yankov

Participants:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Yordanova
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentin Mihaylov
Chief Assistant Prof. Dr. Vani Tankova
Chief Assistant Prof. Dr. Stefan Karatodorov