Thermally Engraved Gratings using a Giant-Pulse Laser

Previous investigators have demonstrated the efficient and cataclysmal removal of material from surfaces hit by a giant-pulse laser. Experimental evidence is presented here that very fine patterns, defined to 0.1 μ, can be engraved directly in metals or insulators by using the interference from two beams. Besides possible practical uses, the study of the structure of such patterns is expected to further our understanding of the mechanisms involved in damage by giant-pulse laser impact.