Femtosecond laser ablation dynamics of amorphous film of a substituted Cu–phthalocyanine

Femtosecond laser ablation dynamics of an amorphous thin film of a substituted Cu–phthalocyanine was studied using time-resolved absorption spectroscopic and scattering imaging methods. Above the ablation threshold of 45 mJrcm2, the etch-depth is about 400 nm and almost constant up to a laser fluence of 300 mJrcm2. Transient absorption spectra confirmed that the electronic excitation energy is converted to heat through exciton–exciton annihilation within 100 ps after excitation. The etching profile and ablation threshold are discussed in connection with the heating rate. q2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.