Minimally disruptive laser-induced breakdown in water

Abstract:

We produce minimally disruptive breakdown in water using tightly focused 100-fs laser pulses, and demonstrate the potential of this technique for microsurgery of the eye. Using time-resolved imaging and piezoelectric pressure detection we measure the magnitude and speed of propagation of the pressure wave produced in the breakdown. Compared to breakdown with longer pulses, we find a much lower energy threshold for breakdown of 0.2 J, a smaller shock zone diameter (11-m for 1-J pulses), and consistent energy deposition.