Physical Society Colloquium

The field of laser technology has undergone a dual revolution in the recent years. With the introduction of improved amplification techniques and improved materials, the field of laser optics is on the edge of a new frontier of unprecedented optical field strength with single cycle durations. This femtosecond lasers enable a broad range of new fundamental physics and applications in nuclear science, astrophysics, accelerators, material sciences and medicine.

I will review some of the applications (resolving the structural dynamics on the time scale of bond breaking, medical radiography, material metrology at the micro- and nano-meter scales) addressed at the INRS femtoscience program with the unique 10TW, 60fs INRS laser facility.

Friday, September 28th 2001, 15:30
Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, Keys Auditorium (room 112)