We investigate picosecond laser ablation of metals using a hybrid simulation scheme. Laser energy input into the electron system and heat conduction within it are modeled using a finite-difference scheme for solving the heat conduction equation. Atom motion in the near-surface part (72 nm) of the sample is modeled using molecular dynamics. Energy transfer between the electronic and atomic subsystems due to electron-phonon coupling is taken into account. For the special case of 0.5 ps UV laser irradiation of copper, we investigate the fluence dependence of the ablation yield, the temperature and pressure evolution in the target, and the ablation mechanism.

• Received 8 September 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.66.115404