Ultrashort-pulse laser modification of transparent materials: Insight from inside

Bulgakova, N.M., Zhukov, V.P. and Meshcheryakov, Y.P. (2013) Ultrashort-pulse laser modification of transparent materials: Insight from inside. 5th European Conference on Applications of Femtosecond Lasers in Materials Science, , Mauterndorf, Austria. 18 - 20 Mar 2013.

Abstract

The processes initiated in transparent dielectrics by ultrashort pulse irradiation upon focusing inside the bulk are analyzed. The analysis is based on the modeling in the frames of Maxwell's equations supplemented with the equations for electron plasma formation and laser-induced electric current. On the case of fused silica, important features of laser beam propagation in the regimes of dense electron plasma generation are revealed such as complete displacing of laser light from the plasma region followed by beam refocusing. Density levels of free electron plasma generated inside bulk glass by ultrashort laser pulses are discussed. The energy balance of excited matter is considered with introducing a diagram matching the level of transient excitation with the maximum temperature of material matrix. The temperature and laser-induced stress upon material excitation are mapped which allow making conclusions on modification routes. We propose the mechanisms responsible for the formation of volume nanogratings in a number of transparent solids under the action ultrashort laser pulses. Finally the question on the material properties favorable for nanograting imprinting is addressed.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Download statistics