Dynamics of femtosecond laser induced voidlike structures in fused silica

Focused ultrafast laser irradiation of fused silica usually induces a spatially modulated refractive index variation in the bulk material. Strong energy concentration leads to the localized formation of a lower-density cavitylike depressed structure surrounded by compacted matter. We report on applying time-resolved phase contrast microscopy to investigate the timescale of the void formation. We indicate a temporal behavior consistent with shock wave generation and subsequent rarefaction.