Integrated continuum-atomistic modeling of nonthermal ablation of gold nanofilms by femtosecond lasers.

Ultrafast nonthermal ablation of gold nanofilms is studied using a combined two-temperature model and molecular dynamics method. The results show that for thinner films the tensile stress is directly reversed from the initially generated compressive stress. For thicker films, on the other hand, the tensile stress wave is reflected from the irradiated surface. The key driving force for ultrafast nonthermal material ablation is conventional thermal stress, instead of the hot electron blast force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]