Multi-physics coupling modeling for femtosecond laser damage in fused silica

Abstract

Fused silica is an important optical material used in scientific research, industry and medical fields. In order to explore the mechanism of femtosecond laser damage in fused silica, a multi-physics coupling dynamics model was developed to obtain the transient dynamic behaviors of laser damage. It is found that the thermal wave and mechanical wave caused by initial energy deposition plays an important role in the crack formation near the laser irradiation area. The simulated evolution of laser damage is verified by the early transient images captured by the ultra-fast experimental detection system. This work provides further insights in explaining the laser-induced damage in fused silica.