Laser-induced coherent modulation of solid and liquid surfaces

The interaction of a single spatially coherent, polarized laser beam with an interface possessing microscopic roughness leads to inhomogeneous energy deposition due to the interference between the incident beam and scattered interface fields. At high intensities this can lead to spatially periodic melting or vaporization of solid or liquid layers, and temporary or permanent modification of the interface. We review our experimental and theoretical work and discuss the detailed electrodynamics, spatial spectra, surface structure and temporal growth characteristics of this phenomenon.