Energy balance of pulsed laser ablation: thermal model revised

We present the results of modeling of nanosecond laser ablation of graphite, niobium, YBa2Cu3O7 superconductor, and silicon performed on the basis of a modified thermal model which includes a thorough calculation of the solid--melt interface. The model is based on experimental data on mass removal and takes into account plasma absorption. The numerical results of the laser energy balance are presented over a wide range of laser fluences. The probable critical temperatures for the materials studied have been estimated on the basis of the modeling.