Computer Simulation of Laser Damage Morphology in the Alkali-Halides

A numerical model of the spatio-temporal behaviour of a pico-second laser pulse has been developed which allows the study of the interaction of macroscopic photons with electrons in an alkali-halide lattice. Trajectories of the photons are computed. Gradients in the refractive index change the direction of the photons and this can lead to focusing or defocusing of the pulse. Rotational symmetry is assumed for both the pulse and background. Results obtained to date will be presented.