Pulsed-laser induced gold microparticle fragmentation by thermal strain
This study investigated how laser pulses fragment gold microparticles, aiming to optimize laser fragmentation as an alternative to liquid ablation. Using ultrafast x-ray scattering, researchers found that above a fluence of 750 J/m2, fragmentation occurs within a nanosecond due to strain gradients from inhomogeneous heating and stress confinement from ultrafast heating. They also observed photothermal decomposition at higher fluences, revealing a thermoelastic driving mechanism.