LATTICE DEFORMATION FROM INTERACTION WITH ELECTRONS HEATED BY AN ULTRASHORT LASER-PULSE

We propose a model describing the destruction of metals under ultrasho rt intense laser pulses when heated electrons affect the lattice throu gh the direct electron-phonon interaction. The metal consists of hot e lectrons and a cool lattice. The lattice deformation is estimated imme diately after the laser pulse up to the electron temperature relaxatio n time. The hot electrons are described with help of the Boltzmann and heat conduction equations. We use an equation of motion for the latti ce displacements with the electron force included. Estimates of the la ttice deformation show that the ablation regime can be achieved. (C) 1 997 American Institute of Physics.