Abstract
We report on a novel nonlinear optical phenomenon, coined as ciliary white light, during laser ablation of transparent dielectrics. It is observed in 14 different transparent materials including glasses, crystals, and polymers. This phenomenon is also universal with respect to laser polarization, pulse duration, and focusing geometry. We interpret its formation in terms of the nonlinear diffraction of the laser generated white light by the ablation crater covered by nanostructures. It carries rich information on the damage profile and morphology dynamics of the ablated surface, providing a real time in situ observation of the laser ablation process.
- Received 5 September 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.097601
© 2013 American Physical Society
Focus
Rainbow Pattern May Allow Laser Damage Monitoring
Published 1 March 2013
Intense light pulses that can precisely sculpt solid materials also generate dazzling rainbow patterns that reveal information about the surface.
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