PhD thesis supervisor: dr. Juozas Dudutis (apply for recommendation)
Structured non-diffractive laser beams for processing of transparent materials
Non-diffractive ultrashort pulse laser beams have become an excellent tool for precise and efficient processing of transparent materials, enabling single-step dicing of extremely thick materials, fabrication of high-aspect-ratio nano/micro cavities, surface structures, functional optical devices, which are currently of great interest in the field of new generation electronics, integrated photonic circuits, micro-fluidics, micro-systems and meta-materials. However, despite significant progress, arising processing challenges are related to the precise control of modifications, their uniformity,repeatability, affected area and structuring density. Although various methods allow shaping laser beams with variable properties along the propagation axis, their application in this field is still little explored. The aim of the research is to develop novel processing technology of transparent materials based on the application of non-diffractive laser beams with the longitudinally shapedintensity distribution. Together with high-frequency laser pulse bursts, it is expected to achieve more accurate control of energy deposition and improve the formation of submicrometric modifications and cavities. Within the research, the time-resolved pump-probe microscopy will be used to optimise processing parameters and better understand the mechanisms of interaction between non-standard laser beams and materials. The outcome of this work will push laser technologies forward contributing to emerging scientific and industrial fields.