The dynamics of laser ablation from metallic surfaces (Ag, Al, Fe and Ni) induced by the combined effect of two 30fs sub-threshold laser pulses has been examined. In a pump–probe setup the yield of the emitted secondary ions and neutrals has been determined as a function of the delay between the two laser pulses. The instantaneous generation of highly excited (ballistic) electrons by the laser pulse and the thermal properties of the metal, which have been modified to be valid into the regime of high electron temperatures have been found to be determining factors for the ablation process. Unexpectedly, two distinct maxima for particle emission have been observed as a function of the time separation of the pump and the probe pulse. The energy relaxation is discussed within the frame of the two-temperature model (TTM) and it is shown that the measured behavior (in the time domain) of ablated particles can only be explained by taking into account a general expression for the thermal conductivity, valid for a wide range of electron temperatures and in addition a substantial role of hot, ballistic electrons.

The dynamics of the laser-ablation (-desorption) process of metals (Al, Ag, Fe, and Ni) initiated by 30 fs laser pulses has been investigated by interferometric time-resolved pump-probe measurements. It is postulated that a sufficiently high density of hot electrons is essential for achieving desorption of metal ions. In addition, we have observed a new and unexpected behavior characterized by delayed ablation for a pump-probe beam delay in the range of several ps for Al, Ni, and Fe. This second peak is attributed to the development of a liquid surface layer developing after a few ps. Molecular dynamics simulations support this assumption.

Previous investigations of transmural capillary ingrowth into the inner surface of biosynthetic vascular prostheses through perforations created by an excimer laser have shown that spontaneous endothelialization of the protheses can be achieved. Disadvantages of the excimer laser are a large and non-circular beam profile and an inconvenient handling of the UV-radiation for medical applications. Therefore, a new commercial laser system, consisting of a mirror-dispersion- controlled Ti:S oscillator and a femtosecond multipass amplifier, which avoids these disadvantages was sued to perforate grafts made of a new biomedical. The laser-tissue interaction is based ona different mechanism due to the short pulsewidth high peak intensity and near IR wavelength. The very short pulsewidth reduces thermal damage of the tissue. The basic mechanism of the laser tissue interaction is not yet fully understood and still subject of investigations. Several biografts with 1 mm wall thickness have been used. The hole diameter could be varied between 50 and 200 micrometers and the distance between the holes was 4 mm. At laser intensities of approximately 20-30 TW/cm2 and a repetition rate of 1 kHz it took less than a second to drill a single hole. Subsequently to the perforation procedure, one perforated and one untreated biograft were implanted into the carotid arteries of several test sheep. It can be concluded that very intense near IR laser radiation is an ideal means for structuring biological tissue.