Pattern formation upon femtosecond laser ablation of transparent dielectrics

TL;DR

This paper investigates the formation of periodic patterns during femtosecond laser ablation of transparent dielectrics, proposing a generalized Kuramoto-Shivashinsky model to explain features not accounted for by classical theories.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized Kuramoto-Shivashinsky equation to model complex pattern formation in laser ablation of dielectrics, extending existing models for ripple formation.

Findings

Patterns exhibit features like defects and grain boundaries.

Classical theories cannot explain the observed patterns.

The generalized model provides a better understanding of pattern dynamics.

Abstract

Costache et al. have reported recently a new type of periodic patterns generated at femtosecond laser ablation of transparent dielectrics (Appl. Surf. Sci. 186, 352(2002)). They show features known from other pattern forming systems far from equilibrium, like point and line defects or grain boundaries, and cannot be explained by the classical theory. The present work is an attempt to investigate these pattern by means of a generalized Kuramoto-Shivashinsky equation derived from the Bradley et al. and Cuerno et al. model for ripple formation at ion beam sputtering of surfaces.