Three dimensional transient behavior of thin films surface under pulsed laser excitation

The three dimensional spatiotemporal response of thin metal films surfaces excited by nanosecond laser pulses is investigated in both the thermoelastic and the ablation regimes. An experimental laser whole-field interferometric technique allows for the direct monitoring of the dynamic deformation of a macroscopic area on the surface with ultrahigh lateral resolution. A specially developed three dimension finite element model simulates the laser-surface interaction, predicts the experimentally obtained results, and computes key parameters of matter's thermomechanical response. This method provides a powerful instrument for spatiotemporal behavior of thin-film surfaces under extreme conditions demanded for innovative applications.