Dr. Eric Mazur

Biography

Eric Mazur is the Balkanski Professor of Physics at Harvard University, where he leads a research group focused on ultrafast dynamics in physical systems. His research employs ultra-short laser pulses to create extreme non-equilibrium conditions in matter, providing insights into ultrafast carrier-lattice dynamics in photo-excited solids. This understanding is crucial for applications in microelectronics and micromachining. Mazur’s group utilizes short laser pulses to coherently control lattice dynamics in solids on a femtosecond time scale, applying high-intensity ultrashort laser pulses for micromachining waveguides and photonic structures in transparent materials. These structures are pivotal in fabricating highly integrated photonic devices. Additionally, the group investigates physical processes involved in micromachining while developing arrays of active and passive photonic devices. A novel technique for nanosurgery allows for micro-manipulation of subcellular organelles within living cells and small organisms. Furthermore, they have discovered a modified form of silicon using femtosecond laser pulses on silicon wafers in the presence of sulfur-containing gas, leading to unique optoelectronic properties and potential new applications.

Research Interests