Paper 14093-85

Comparison of laser ablation in sub-ps and ns regime at 515nm in the MHz regime and application to graphite

On demand | Presented live 15 April 2026

Abstract

Micro-machining with short-pulsed lasers is used to minimize thermal effects, as the heat-affected zone depends on pulse duration. The distinction between ’cold’ and ’hot’ or thermal ablation holds for single-shot processes, but for high-repetition-rates, it involves additional effects such as incubation, plasma shielding, and thermal accumulation, making the choice of optimal pulse duration more complex. This study compares laser cutting and engraving using sub-picosecond and nanosecond lasers at the same repetition rate of 0.5 MHz. Experiments on graphite determined ablation properties and optimal processing parameters. Results highlight the influence of pulse duration and process parameters on efficiency and thermal effects, offering insight for high-repetition-rate laser processing of sensitive materials.

Presenter

Victor Sanchez

Institut Fresnel (France)

Victor Sanchez holds an engineering degree in Physical Engineering and Embedded Systems from ENSICAEN .He is currently a Ph.D. student working on the development of pulsed laser processes for the preparation and characterization of nuclear fuel samples. This PhD thesis, conducted within the framework of the ANR Fast In Fuels project (PEPR DIADEM), aims to develop an innovative pulsed laser process for the preparation and characterization of small nuclear fuel samples, particularly uranium dioxide (UO₂). The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the behavior of these materials under strong thermal gradients, while reducing both the radiological constraints and the costs associated with large irradiated samples. The work is carried out in collaboration with the CEA and the Institut Fresnel, within the framework of the MATLASE Chair.

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