This chapter contains sections titled:

• Introduction

• Laser–matter Interactions: Basic Processes and Governing Equations

  • Laser Intensity Distribution in a Focal Domain

  • Absorbed Energy Density Rate

  • Electron–phonon (ions) Energy Exchange, Heat Conduction and Hydrodynamics: Two-temperature Approximation

  • Temperature in the Absorption Region

  • Absorption Mechanisms

  • Threshold for the Change in Optical and Material Properties (“Optical Damage”)

• Nondestructive Interaction: Laser-induced Phase Transitions

  • Electron–Phonon Energy Exchange Rate

  • Phase Transition Criteria and Time

  • Formation of Diffractive Structures in Different Materials

    • Modifications Induced by Light in Noncrystalline Chalcogenide Glass

    • Two-photon Excitation of Fluorescence

    • Photopolymerization

    • Photorefractive Effect

• Laser–Solid Interaction at High Intensity

  • Limitations Imposed by the Laser Beam Self-focusing

  • Optical Breakdown: Ionization Mechanisms and Thresholds

    • Ionization by Electron Impact (Avalanche Ionization)

    • Multiphoton Ionization

  • Transient Electron and Energy Density in a Focal Domain

    • Ionization and Damage Thresholds

    • Absorption Coefficient and Absorption Depth in Plasma

    • Electron Temperature and Pressure in Energy Deposition Volume to the End of the Laser Pulse

  • Electron-to-ion Energy Transfer: Heat Conduction and Shock Wave Formation

    • Electronic Heat Conduction

    • Shock Wave Formation

  • Shock Wave Expansion and Stopping

  • Shock and Rarefaction Waves: Formation of Void

  • Properties of Shock-and-heat-affected Solid after Unloading

• Multiple-pulse Interaction: Energy Accumulation

  • The Heat-affected Zone from the Action of Many Consecutive Pulses

  • Cumulative Heating and Adiabatic Expansion

• Conclusions