Welcome...
This research group is headed by Professors Amy Lytle and Etienne Gagnon in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Franklin and Marshall College.
The main focus of our research is optical science and technology. We have a number of experiments to study the interaction between light and matter for both high and low intensity illumination. We use nonlinear optics to study the behavior of materials under intense light exposure. These studies could lead to the improvement of existing, or development of new laser sources. We also study THz radiation. We are looking for methods to manipulate this type of light in new and useful ways in order to improve our ability to develop applications with it.
To help in our study of these physical phenomena, our lab here at Franklin and Marshall College is equipped with a titanium:sapphire ultrafast laser oscillator. This laser system is able to generate pulses of light as short as 15 fs (that's 0.000 000 000 000 015 s) in duration. These ultra-short pulses give us access to a wide range of applications as we are able to use and study materials on the time scale of the electrons within them.
We are always happy to discuss what we do with students, visitors, or other members of the faculty. Please stop by our offices’ or our lab anytime.