Ultrafast imaging of optical damage dynamics and laser-produced wave propagation in polymethyl methacrylate

Hackjin Kim, Jay C. Postlewaite, Taehyoung Zyung, Dana D. Dlott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A high-power ultrafast laser spectrometer with image acquisition capability, the "picosecond microscope" is used to study optical surface damage processes in a transparent polymer, polymethyl methacrylate. Optical damage is a fast, violent, inhomogeneous solid-state chemical reaction. We observe three distinct fast processes: creation and growth of a dark absorbing damage volume, the "damage core," creation and propagation of a hypersonic shock wave in the surrounding atmosphere, and creation of large amplitude acoustic waves which propagate outward from the core at the velocity of sound.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2955-2958
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume64
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ultrafast imaging of optical damage dynamics and laser-produced wave propagation in polymethyl methacrylate'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this