Ultrafast electron dynamics manipulation of laser induced periodic ripples via a train of shaped pulses

Abstract

We present the electron dynamics manipulation of laser induced periodic nanoripples on fused silica via a train of shaped femtosecond pulses. The non-linear ionization used for supporting the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is taken into account in the analysis of the ripple dynamics. It is revealed that the ripple periods are closely related to both the pulse-to-pulse separation and the laser fluence. The result is attributed to the ultrafast dynamics manipulation for the SPP dispersion wavelength through the unusual ionization arising via a train of shaped pulses. This study should be helpful for the fundamental understanding of the ripple formation mechanism arising from a train of shaped pulses, used for controlling the ripple features.