A novel approach to study laser induced void array formation in fused silica

Abstract

This study investigated multi-void formation in fused silica using high resolution Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations. Despite extensive research dedicated to understanding the mechanisms behind multi-void formation in materials, the fundamental aspects and mechanisms governing self-void array formation in dielectrics and polymers remain poorly understood. By modeling the voids as concentric spheres with densified shells and simulating the laser interaction with the voids, we showed that void array generation in fused silica is a linear mechanism. This study provides valuable insight into the mechanism behind the formation of void arrays in fused silica.