Non-linear absorption of 1.3-mu m wavelength femtosecond laser pulses focused inside semiconductors: Finite difference time domain-two temperature model combined computational study

International audienceWe present a theoretical model, which describes local energy deposition inside IR-transparent silicon and gallium arsenide with focused 1.3-mu m wavelength femtosecond laser pulses. Our work relies on the ionization rate equation and two temperature model (TTM), as we simulate the non-linear propagation of focused femtosecond light pulses by using a 3D finite difference time domain method. We find a strong absorption dependence on the initial free electron density (doping concentration) that evidences the role of avalanche ionization. Despite an influence of Kerr-type self-focusing at intensity required for non-linear absorption, we show the laser energy deposition remains confined when the focus position is moved down to 1-mm below the surface. Our simulation results are in agreement with the degree of control observed in a simple model experiment. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3662192