4.3 Nanoscale Samples and Integrated Optics

We develop and produce nano- and microscale optical elements and substrates for single- and multiple-shot experiments that are optimized for FEL and HHG sources. As well, one aspect is the optimization of plasmonic structures for subwavelength confinement of optical excitation in order to achieve control of magnetism in the nanoscale.

We manufacture optimized functional thin-film systems that are required for scientific projects at the MBI. One focus is on fundamental processes in magnetic systems, such as spin-orbit coupling or spin-dependent electron transport, and their ultrafast response to optical excitation.

Ultrashort pulses offer the unique possibility to induce permanent structural modifications inside the bulk of transparent materials. In tight focusing conditions (numerical aperture > 0.4), the spatial confinement of the laser pulse provides ideal irradiation conditions (in terms of focal size and local intensity) to directly photoinscribe optical microcircuits able to perform complex tasks.

We establish and optimize production and transfer processes for special transmission filters, both free-standing and supported, tailored to customer requirements.

Based on our knowledge to build magnetron sputtering sources we evaluate the chance to construct and produce custom made sputtering source with a target size of 2” and 1”.