Purpose of workshop: This workshop brings together world experts in using ultrafast (femtosecond) lasers to modify materials at the atomic and molecular level, and understand the fundamental physics and chemistry behind these modifications. Interestingly, these modifications can be performed in three-dimensions, and span over tremendous spatial scales: from nanometers to centimeters (and beyond!). The community that is creating and utilizing these materials is extraordinarily multidisciplinary featuring physicists, chemists, electrical and mechanical engineers, biologists, etc.

The benefits of being able to manipulate materials with optical sources and optimize their properties are realized in novel devices that are also discussed/presented during the meeting. New devices created by this community are finding applications in astronomy, medicine, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, etc. Notably, these devices push the limits in what can be achieved in terms of sensitivity, strength, efficiency and speed relative to presently available technologies.