Material response to laser energy deposition (Thermal and hyperthermal processes)

Abstract

We consider the laser absorption mechanisms, the energy dissipation processes, and the consequences for the target material after pulsed irradiation of—mainly—solid targets. The strong dependence on laser pulse duration is emphasized. Both, the classical thermodynamic equilibrium route (heating, melting, and evaporation) and hyperthermal processes beyond thermodynamic equilibrium (superheating, phase explosion, surface/bulk instability) are comprehensively discussed, under particular consideration of relevant time scales. The implication of different processes for laser ablation and material structuring is addressed.