Light induced modulation instability of surfaces under intense illumination

Journal Article · Mon Dec 16 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4850532· OSTI ID:22253731

Goriely, A. ^[1]; Foulds, I. ^[2]

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1. Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG (United Kingdom)
2. 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900 (Saudi Arabia)

We show that a flat surface of a polymer in rubber state illuminated with intense electromagnetic radiation is unstable with respect to periodic modulation. Initial periodic perturbation is amplified due to periodic thermal expansion of the material heated by radiation. Periodic heating is due to focusing-defocusing effects caused by the initial surface modulation. The surface modulation has a period longer than the excitation wavelength and does not require coherent light source. Therefore, it is not related to the well-known laser induced periodic structures on polymer surfaces but may contribute to their formation and to other phenomena of light-matter interaction.

• OSTI ID: 22253731
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 103, Issue 25; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EXCITATION
HEATING
ILLUMINANCE
LIGHT SOURCES
MODULATION
PERIODICITY
PERTURBATION THEORY
RUBBERS
THERMAL EXPANSION
VISIBLE RADIATION
WAVELENGTHS