Hole-assisted energy deposition in dielectrics and clusters in the multiphoton regime

Abstract

We propose a novel mechanism of energy absorption in dielectric materials with ultrashort infrared laser pulses of intensities below the damage threshold. Analytical theory, generalized to hole-assisted processes in arbitrarily polarized laser fields, is validated using one-dimensional numerical simulations of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Large enhancements in the multiphoton transition rates are found both numerically and analytically. The one-dimensional calculations are extended to two dimensions via a forest fire percolation model, in which nanoplasma-like structures have been identified.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge discussions with J. M. Rost, J. Marangos, R. Bhardwaj, D. Rayner and R. Taylor. We are grateful to A. Sarychev and J. Sipe for numerous suggestions and illuminating advice. M. Yu. Ivanov additionally acknowledges stimulating discussions with V. Shalaev. This work was supported in part by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Canadian National Research Council and the British Council. The work of M. Stockman is supported by grants from the Chemical Sciences, Biosciences and Geosciences Division of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, US Department of Energy, and from the US–Israel Binational Science Foundation.

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Reviewing of this paper was handled by a member of the Editorial Board.

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Notes on contributors

P. L. Knight

Reviewing of this paper was handled by a member of the Editorial Board.