Formation of Kerr waveguide and microgratings on a germanium surface under the action of femtosecond radiation of the mid-IR range

Abstract

A new nonlinear physical model of the formation of ordered structures of a surface topography of a semiconductor by ultrashort pulses of linearly polarized laser radiation has been proposed. The model is based on the formation of the dynamic near-surface waveguide due to the optical Kerr effect, interference with the part of waveguide modes, and the formation of microgratings on the surface, which are oriented by polarization of radiation. The model is confirmed by experimental data.