Theory of formation of surface gratings under the action of laser radiation on surfaces of metals, semiconductors, and insulators

It is shown that interference between the incident radiation and the resultant surface electromagnetic waves may give rise to spatially inhomogeneous heating of the surface of a medium. The subsequent spatially inhomogeneous evaporation of matter from the surface increases exponentially (on the time scale) the amplitudes of surface gratings. The periods and growth increments of such gratings are calculated as a function of the frequency, polarization, angle of incidence, and intensity of the radiation incident on a surface.