Open AccessNonlinear microscopy techniques for assessing the UV laser polymer interactions
Author(s) -
Alexandros Selimis,
George J. Tserevelakis,
Sotiria Kogou,
Paraskevi Pouli,
George Filippidis,
Natalia Sapogova,
N. Bityurin,
C. Fotakis
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.003990
Subject(s) - materials science , laser , optics , irradiation , polymer , ablation , microscopy , laser ablation , context (archaeology) , ultraviolet , liquid bubble , optoelectronics , bubble , composite material , paleontology , physics , engineering , nuclear physics , biology , aerospace engineering , parallel computing , computer science
A new diagnostic approach for assessing the in-depth laser induced modifications upon ultraviolet polymer irradiation is presented. The methodology relies on the observation of morphological alterations in the bulk material (Paraloid B72) by using third harmonic generation. This non destructive methodology allows the detailed and accurate imaging of the structurally laser modified zone extent in the vicinity of the irradiated area. Additionally, for the first time, the visualization and quantitative determination of the contour of the laser-induced swelling/bulk material interface is reported. The observed polymer surface swelling following single-pulse KrF laser irradiation at sub-ablation fluences is interpreted in the context of a model for laser-induced bubble formation due to droplet explosion mechanism.