Christopher Ayala, U-M Applied Physics Ph.D. candidate, was recently named winner of NSBP-NSHP 2024 Conference Oral Presentation Award for his presentation 'High Harmonic Generation with Wide-Gap Semiconductors.' The award was presented by Mario Borunda, President of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists, and Stephen Roberson, President of the National Society of Black Physicists. 

Ayala’s presentation focused on the growing field of attosecond science, “With the advancement of laser physics in the branch of attosecond science, high harmonic generation has become an integral part of the novel techniques necessary to study new fundamental physics such as gaining a better understanding of the electronic structure and probing driven ultrafast dynamics. Within the past decade, the shift has been towards identifying solids (metals, semiconductors, insulators) that can produce harmonics in a smaller form factor than its gas counterpart. My research in the Cundiff Laboratory focuses on studying the generation of these high harmonics via semiconductor heterostructures such as GaN and AlN. We use a near-IR Ti:Sapphire laser and a vacuum chamber in an attempt to observe harmonics near and into the ultraviolet wavelength range.”

The collaborative nature of Ayala’s work is another highlight of his research experience. “With the generation of attosecond pulses winning the Nobel Prize in 2023, high harmonic generation in solids in a relatively new field that allows these pulses to be formed in a multitude of ways,” he explained. “This work is unique in that we collaborate together with an engineering department material grower and theorist to help execute these experiments. I am glad to have gained experience working inside of a laser box and vacuum chamber.”

The conference was a milestone for Ayala, who attended as President of the NSBP Willie Hobbs Moore Chapter. “This was my first time presenting at the NSBP Conference while representing the NSBP Willie Hobbs Moore Chapter as the President and it was very encouraging having my peers from the club show up in support,” he said. “I felt especially so when I heard I won the Oral Presentation award in the AMO field at the closing ceremony.” 

Beyond the award, the experience provided Ayala with an opportunity to gain new perspectives on his work. “During my presentation, I was asked a question which tested my theory knowledge and helped me identify something I hadn't thought of before in relation to the theory.” 

Ayala’s research reflects the advancing field of attosecond science, and his work is sure to contribute to its growth. “With the generation of high harmonics using a low repetition rate oscillator, prospects of creating a UV frequency comb could be realized.”