Time-resolved electron diffraction and microscopy of laser-induced processes in thin films

Using a compact diffractometer that was equipped with a pulsed electron source synchronized with a femto-second laser, a series of investigations of laser-stimulated processes in thin-film samples has been performed. It has been revealed that graphene on a copper grid exposed to the action of powerful laser radiation experiences an irreversible structural modification, which is accompanied by the breaking of carbon bonds and formation of new products. Reversible processes of the optical excitation of the crystal lattice in antimony and bismuth thin films have been investigated by ultrafast electron diffraction and the spectrum of coherent optical phonons has been observed.

Automated summary

Experimental investigations revealed that graphene on a copper grid undergoes irreversible structural modification under strong laser radiation, while reversible optical excitation processes in antimony and bismuth thin film crystal lattice have been studied.