Energy balance of pulsed laser ablation: thermal model revised

We present the results of modeling of nanosecond laser ablation of graphite, niobium, YBa2Cu3O7 superconductor, and silicon performed on the basis of a modified thermal model which includes a thorough calculation of the solid–melt interface. The model is based on experimental data on mass removal and takes into account plasma absorption. The numerical results of the laser energy balance are presented over a wide range of laser fluences. The probable critical temperatures for the materials studied have been estimated on the basis of the modeling.