Numerical simulations for description of UV laser interaction with gold nanoparticles embedded in silica

We have performed simulations of laser energy deposition in an engineered absorbing defect (i.e. metal nanoparticle) and the surrounding fused silica taking into account various mechanisms for the defect-induced absorption of laser energy by SiO₂. Then, to simulate the damage process in its entirety, we have interfaced these calculations of the energy absorption with a 2-D Lagrange–Euler hydrodynamics code, which can simulate crack formation and propagation leading to craters. The validation of numerical simulations requires detailed knowledge of the different parameters involved in the interaction. To concentrate on a simple situation, we have made and tested a thin-film system based on calibrated gold nanoparticles (600-nm diameter) inserted between two silica layers. Some aspects of our simulations are then compared with our experimental results. We find reasonable agreement between the observed and simulated crater sizes.