My research group uses both linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques to investigate many of the fundamental dynamical processes that in condensed matter systems such as laser crystals, phosphors and glasses. We have developed novel techniques for investigating the dynamics of phonons in doped insulating materials and have used these techniques to study phonon-phonon, magnon-phonon and electron-phonon interactions an a variety of systems. We are currently using a combination of experiment and computer simulation to investigate the effects of high intensity ultrashort pulses on optical materials, components and systems.

Recent Publications

Carl M. Liebig and W. M. Dennis, "Simulation of interactions of high-intensity ultrashort pulses with dielectric filters," Opt. Eng. 46, 023801 (2007).

 W.M. Dennis and W.M. Yen, “Generation, Detection and Spectroscopic Studies of High Frequency Non-equilibrium Phonons in Crystals," J. Lumin. 125, 60-66 (2007)

“Optical dephasing in saturable absorbing organic dye IR140,” Carl M. Liebig and W. M. Dennis, Appl. Opt. 45, 2072-2076 (2006).

“Optical spectroscopy of localized electronic states in SrS:Cu,” D. R. Evans and W. M. Dennis, J. Appl. Phys. 94, 3785-3790 (2003).

“Effect of Photon Avalanche on Infrared Quantum Counters,” Delena Bell Gatch, W.M. Dennis and William M. Yen, Appl. Opt. 42, 615-620 (2003).

David J. Pikas, Sean M. Kirkpatrick, Erin Tewksbury, Lawrence L. Brott, Rajesh R. Naik, Morley O. Stone, and William M. Dennis, "Nonlinear saturation and lasing characteristics of green fluorescent protein," J. Phys. Chem. B 106, 4831 (2002).

M. R. Geller, W. M. Dennis, V. A. Markel, K. R. Patton, D. T. Simon, and H. S. Yang, "Theory of Electron-Phonon Dynamics in Insulating Nanoparticles," Physica B 316-317, 430 (2002).