Non-thermal material response to laser energy deposition

Abstract

The absorption of sub-picosecond pulse laser radiation by the electronic system of dielectrics and metals leads to non-thermal processes such as ballistic transport, electron–electron collision, and electron emission across interfaces. Multi-photon excitation and impact ionization with subsequent avalanche ionization occur in dielectrics and single photon absorption in metals. Finally, electron– phonon-scattering sets in, electrons and lattice equilibrate, and thermal phenomena take over. The state of the current understanding of non-thermal phenomena is reviewed.