Formation dynamics of ultra-short laser induced micro-dots in the bulk of transparent materials

Abstract

In this paper, we study the formation dynamics of ultra-short laser-induced micro dots under the surface of transparent materials. Laser-induced micro dots find their application in direct part marking, to address full life cycle traceability. We first demonstrate the possibility of direct laser part marking into the cladding of an optical fiber. Then, we monitor the laser affected zone with the help of a time-resolved phase contrast microscopy setup in a fused silica substrate. We show that the transient energy relaxation processes affect the host material over a region that exceeds the micro dot size by several micrometers.