Influence of nonlinear effects on dynamics of formation of periodic structures as a result of interaction of laser radiation with surfaces of metals and semiconductors

A theoretical analysis is made of the process of formation of periodic structures of evaporation damage by interaction of the surface of a metal or a semiconductor with laser radiation. The nonlinear stage of the process is considered. It is shown that additional periodic structures may appear during this stage. The conditions under which this happens are identified and the growth increments are calculated. The discussion applies to the majority of the experimentally observed structures: the appearance of new structures is predicted and conditions favoring such structures are identified.