Parametric Evaluation of Femtosecond Laser Ablation Utilizing Molecular Dynamics Simulations

While laser ablation using a nanosecond laser is well understood, there remain gaps in our understanding of the ablation process associated with a femtosecond laser. This is a result of the short time scales associated with a femtosecond laser. Here, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we aim to perform a parametric study to understand the physical process associated with femtosecond laser ablation and the consequent shock wave in the surrounding media. Results from the simulations will be compared to various experimental results and analytical models of the ablation process and shockwave propagation. Finally, the physical process associated with the femtosecond laser ablation will be compared to that of a nanosecond laser.