Current Research

    His research efforts focus on microscale and nanoscale laser material processing and characterization, including laser-assisted nanoimprinting, laser-assisted scanning tunneling microscope, nanoparticle formation and thin film deposition, and fabrication of nanoscale optical and electrical devices. One of his current research interests is how to fabricate three-dimensional photonic bandgap crystals by combining laser nanoimprinting and self-assembly of nanoparticles. He is also interested in laser surface cleaning, laser chemical etching and deposition, and micro/nanoscale sensing. His research is mainly supported by NSF, AFOSR, AOARD, UNL, and industry.

Recent Key Publications

L. P. Li, Y. F. Lu, D. W. Doerr, D. R. Alexander, J. Shi, and J. C. Li, “Fabrication of Hemispherical Cavity Arrays on Silicon Substrates using Laser-Assisted Nanoimprinting of Self-Assembled Particles”, Nanotechnology, 15(3), 333-336 (2004).
X. Y. Chen, Y. F. Lu, Y. H. Wu, B. J. Cho, M. H. Liu, D. Y. Dai, and W. D. Song, “The Mechanisms of Photoluminescence from Silicon Nanocrystals Formed by Pulsed-Laser Deposition in Argon and Oxygen Ambient”, J. Appl. Phys. 93(10), 6311-6319 (2003).

Y. F. Lu, B. Hu, Z. H. Mai, W. J. Wang, W. K. Chim, and T. C. Chong, “Laser-SPM Based Nanoprocessing of Electronics Materials”, Japan J. Appl. Phys. 1 40(6B), 4395-4398 (2001).

Y. F. Lu, Z. F. He, Z. H. Mai and Z. M. Ren, “Carbon Nitride Thin Film Synthesized on Iron Buffer Layer”, J. Appl. Phys. 88(12), 7095-7098 (2000).

Y. F. Lu, L. Zhang, W. D. Song, Y. W. Zheng, B. S. Luk’yanchuk, and T.C. Chong, “Laser Writing of Sub-Wavelength Structure on Silicon (100) Surfaces with Particle Enhanced Optical Irradiation”, Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics (JETP) Letters 72, 658(2000).

Y. F. Lu, W. D. Song, M. H. Hong, Y. W. Zheng, and T. C. Chong, “Laser Surface Cleaning and Potential Applications in Disk Drive Industry”, Tribol. Int. 33(5-6), 329-335 (2000).

Y. F. Lu, H. Q. Ni, Z. M. Ren, W. J. Wang and T. C. Chong, “The Effects of Thermal Annealing on ZnO Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition”, J. Appl. Phys. 88(1), 498-502 (2000).

Y. F. Lu, Z. H. Mai, W. D. Song, and W. K. Chim, “Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study and Modification of Hydrogen-passivated Ge (100) Surfaces”, Appl. Phys. A 70(4), 403-406 (2000).

Y. F. Lu, Z. M. Ren, Z. H. Mai, T. C. Chong , S. C. Ng, P. Miao, B. A. Cheong, S. K. Chow, and J. P. Wang, “Deposition of Crystal Polyaniline Thin Films by KrF Excimer Laser Ablation”, J. Materials Res. 15(2), 536-540 (2000).

Y. F. Lu, Z. H. Mai Y. W. Zheng, W. D. Song and W. K. Chim, “Nanostructure Fabrication using Pulsed Lasers in Combination with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope: Mechanism Investigation”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 76(9), 1200-1202 (2000).