Application of time-resolved digital holographic microscopy in studies of early femtosecond laser ablation

We studied evolution of femtosecond laser ablation by employing novel method of time-resolved off-axis digital holographic microscopy. Phase and amplitude profiles of early shock front and ablation plume dynamics of irradiated tempered steel were reconstructed from the digital holograms. In order to gain additional information, digital holographic microscopy was combined with plasma emission imaging. By using both techniques simultaneously we studied material response to multi-pulse irradiation, shock wave propagation, ablation plume formation and plasma emission. The significant changes in ablation performance were observed when using multi-pulse irradiation if compared to widely investigated single-shot regime.