Abstract
We investigate the phenomenon of resonant-infrared laser ablation of polymers using polystyrene as a model material. Ablation is carried out using various mid-IR laser wavelengths that are resonant with vibrational modes of a polystyrene target. Time-resolved plume imaging coupled with etch-depth measurements and thermal calculations indicate that ablation begins after a superheated surface layer reaches a temperature of ∼1000°C and undergoes spinodal decomposition. The majority of the ablated material is then expelled by way of recoil-induced ejection as the pressure of the expanding vapor plume compresses a laser-melted area.
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Johnson, S.L., Bubb, D.M. & Haglund, R.F. Phase explosion and recoil-induced ejection in resonant-infrared laser ablation of polystyrene. Appl. Phys. A 96, 627–635 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-009-5290-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-009-5290-3