Optimizing your Femtosecond Laser Processes using a Numerical Simulation based Decision Support Tool

The use of ultrashort regime in laser ablation is increasing in industries as it allows better precision and reduces the heat affected zone of each impact. In this paper, a finite element model of the femtosecond laser matter interaction is presented. The aim of this model is to inform the laser user on the topography that will be obtained given the laser parameters selected, such as average power, pulse duration, frequency, etc. At these timescales, the classic temperature modelling approach cannot be used as the system is not at equilibrium. The two-temperature model is used to capture the heating of the electrons during the first period followed by the diffusion of the electron energy to the lattice. The model is calibrated against experimental topography data, width and depth of the crater, extracted from literature. A linear extrapolation to predict the depth, width and ablated volume of the crater is proposed and its validity within 10% is assessed for impacts created with up to 1000 pulses.