Nanodomain shock wave in near-field laser–material interaction

In this work, molecular dynamics simulation is conducted to explore the shock wave phenomena in a nanodomain in near-field laser–material interaction. A large system consisting of over 800,000 atoms is studied. The work focuses on the kinetic and physical properties of the disturbed gas compression driven by the high speed movement of the molten particulates ejected from the solid target in a nanodomain. The quick interaction between solid and gas atoms compresses the gas and forms a steep shock wave front, which moves at a supersonic speed. The fast compression of gas also induces a steep interface of density, temperature and pressure distribution, which is viewed as typical characteristics of nanoscale shock waves. Evolutions of shock wave front position, velocity and Mach number are also explored and show quick decay during wave propagation.