Femtosecond-laser generation of self-organized bubble patterns in fused silica

Opt Express. 2011 Mar 28;19(7):6807-21. doi: 10.1364/OE.19.006807.

Abstract

By continuously scanning a femtosecond laser beam across a fused silica specimen, we demonstrate the formation of self-organized bubbles buried in the material. Rather than using high intensity pulses and high numerical aperture to induce explosions in the material, here bubbles form as a consequence of cumulative energy deposits. We observe a transition between chaotic and self-organized patterns at high scanning rate (above 10 mm/s). Through modeling the energy exchange, we outline the similarities of this phenomenon with other non-linear dynamical systems. Furthermore, we demonstrate with this method the high-speed writing of two- and three- dimensional bubble "crystals" in bulk silica.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Materials Testing
  • Microbubbles
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Silicon Dioxide / radiation effects*

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide