Physics of ultra-short laser interaction with matter: From phonon excitation to ultimate transformations

This review encompasses ultrafast laser interaction with matter in a broad range of intensities ~10¹⁰-10¹⁵ W/cm². We consider the material transformation processes successively with increase of the absorbed laser intensity. We start with the subtle atomic displacements and excitation of phonons, and further analyze the phase transitions, ablation, transformation into plasma, and interaction of laser radiation with plasma up to the relativistic limit. The laser pulse is considered as of ultra-short duration if it is shorter the time scale of major energy relaxation processes such as the electron-to-lattice energy transfer, heat diffusion, and hydrodynamic motion. We describe the material response from the first principles, aiming to establish analytical scaling relations, which link the laser pulse characteristics with the properties of the material. Special section is dedicated to the possibility of creating super-high pressure and temperature with an ultrashort tabletop laser. The influence of the laser polarisation on the material ionisation is discussed. We consider theoretical and experimental aspects of a newly emerging topic of interaction of the ultrashort vortex beams and sculptured beams possessing complicated spatial and temporal distribution of intensity, polarisation, and the geometrical Berry-phase with matter. In conclusion, we discuss future directions related to the lasers and diagnostic tools on the attosecond time scale and with the photons energy in the x-ray range.