title: Analytical model for CO(2) laser ablation of fused quartz.
abstract: This paper reports the development of an analytical model, with supporting experimental data, which quite accurately describes the key features of CO2laser ablation of fused silica glass. The quantitative model of nonexplosive, evaporative material removal is shown to match the experimental data very well, to the extent that it can be used as a tool for ablative measurements of absorption coefficient and vaporization energy. The experimental results indicated that a minimum of 12  MJ kg-1is required to fully vaporize fused quartz initially held at room temperature, which is in good agreement with the prediction of the model supplied with input data available in the literature. An optimal window for the machining of fused quartz was revealed in terms of pulse duration 20-80 μs and CO2laser wavelength optimized for maximum absorption coefficient. Material removal rates of 0.33 μm per J cm-2allow for a high-precision depth control with modest laser stability. The model may also be used as a parameter selection guide for CO2laser ablation of fused silica or other materials of similar thermophysical properties.
authors.forename: Krzysztof M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.forename: Howard J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Denis R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hall