Abstract

Pulsed laser processing is a rapidly growing field of study. Both the properties of the produced material and the fundamental processes are of a great deal of interest. Time-resolved observation of phenomena accompanying pulsed laser processing have been accomplished by several techniques, none of which provide a direct surface structural probe limited to the first few monolayers. Indeed, it is the properties of these initial atomic layers that are of prime importance. In addition, the study of surface phase transitions and reactions is a rapidly maturing science from both theoretical and experimental points of view. We report on the demonstration of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) with photogenerated picosecond electron pulses. Due to the synchronization of the electron pulses with the laser source, this technique provides a picosecond time-resolved surface structural probe.

© 1988 Optical Society of America