Phase explosion and recoil-induced ejection in resonant-infrared laser ablation of polystyrene

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 96; no. 3; pp. 627 - 635
• Main Authors: Johnson, S. L., Bubb, D. M., Haglund, R. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.08.2009; Springer
• Subjects: Ablation; Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Ejection; Exact sciences and technology; Explosions; Laser ablation; Lasers; Machinery and processing; Machines; Manufacturing; Miscellaneous; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Plastics; Plumes; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polystyrene resins; Processes; Surfaces and Interfaces; Technology of polymers; Thin Films; Wavelengths; 78.30.Jw; 81.15.Fg; 82.30.Lp; 41.60.Cr; Infrared laser; Styrene polymer; Surface temperature; Laser ablation technique; Measurement method; Experimental study; Modeling; Formation mechanism; Deposition process
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-009-5290-3

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.