The theory of the formation of periodic structures on the surface of metals and semiconductors under laser radiation

A theoretical study of the periodic damage structures due to evaporation under laser radiation is presented, focusing on the nonlinear stage of the process in which the interaction of surface plasma waves during the dispersion on a periodic profile is an important mechanism. It is shown that, depending on the incidence angle and on the laser radiation polarization, the periodic profile amplitudes may either be monotone or nonmonotone with respect to time. An illustrative case of a TE-polarized laser radiation wave is considered for given phase trajectories of the periodic profile amplitudes.