Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Measuring the motions of charge carriers on femtosecond timescales provides a window into the most elementary processes that occur in matter. Technologies like solar cells, transistors, and photodetectors all depend upon the rapid movement of electrons over distances measured in nanometres. The success or failure of these technologies depends, in large measure, on our ability to predict and control these ultrafast processes. In addition the function of several biomolecules depends upon either photo-initiated electron transfer events or long range charge conduction. In general, a detailed understanding of charge transport processes provides far-reaching insight across many disciplines in the physical sciences. We request funds for an ultrafast voltmeter capable of measuring voltage changes on timescales less than 100 fs. The requested equipment comprises highly sensitive imaging equipment including a state of the art CCD camera and uses an existing imaging spectrograph. The imaging equipment allows us to accurately image at the low light levels typical of non-linear optical experiments, the inclusion of a delay line and controller allows those images to be taken with femtosecond time resolution. We also request a vacuum chamber to conduct measurements at cryogenic temperatures while avoiding reactions with water and oxygen. In addition electrical equipment will be used to apply DC fields and to measure currents at timescales greater than the time delay available with the delay line. The requested equipment would provide an experimental capability enjoyed by only a few laboratories world-wide, none of which are found in Western Canada. In addition, the equipment directly augments existing experimental facilities for ultrafast spectroscopy in 4D LABS at SFU, and therefore has the potential to benefit researchers university-wide.