Professor Yakovlev
joined the Department of Physics in 1998. His main field of research is applied
physics, involving optical spectroscopy and lasers. Professor Yakovlev is a
recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, as well as Research
Innovative Award from Research Corporation. He is a co-author of nearly 90
scientific publications and 4 patents and presented a numerous number of talks
on the scientific meetings.
Optical spectroscopy is a
unique tool to study objects, because is offers a microscopic resolution,
non-invasiveness, simplicity and remote access. The group of Professor Yakovlev
is actively involved in microscopic studies of materials and living cells. This
research involves an active collaboration with the Department of Material
Sciences and the Department of Biology, as well as industrial partners. Most of
this research is supported by the National Institute of Health.
Lasers are playing
significant role in our everyday life. They can provide bursts of energy, which
can be focused to a sub-micron size and be used to selectively modify the
material. This interaction of high intensity radiation with matter is especially
interesting for ultra-short laser pulses of the order of 100 fs
(10-13 s). It is a characteristic time scale of molecular motion and
is faster than any energy relaxation time in the system. By studying these types
of interaction the group of Prof. Yakovlev are not only looking for unique ways
of selective modification materials but also for new non-equilibrium
transformations and mechanisms, which may take place under such extreme
conditions. This research is partially supported by NASA, Petroleum Research
Fund, Graduate School and National Institute of Health.
Short-pulse lasers can
create very high intensity of laser radiation (1012 W/cm2)
within a very simple and compact set-up. At such high intensities the motion of
molecules, atoms and electrons becomes highly nonlinear. The optical response of
the system is also nonlinear. The group of Professor Yakovlev is involved is
developing of better short pulse lasers and nonlinear optical interactions in
photonic materials. This research is supported by the National Science
Foundation.
Professor Yakovlev
encourages early involvement of both undergraduate and graduate students in
scientific research. His laboratory is open for ambitious students willing to
acquire skills in optics, lasers and optical spectroscopy. These skills are
extremely valuable and are in a huge demand in modern economy.
