Three-dimensional multiphysical model for the study of photo-induced thermal effects in laser damage phenomena

Nano-sized absorbing defects take a part in the initiation of laser damage phenomena, especially in the nanosecond range of pulse duration. A special interest has been devoted to the modeling of photo-induced thermal effects in optical components. In this paper we present a 3D model based on the FEM method (Finite Elements Method) which allows the calculation of 3D temperature distribution in nanostructures with complex geometries irradiated by a laser. We present examples of application of the method in the field of laser damage. The purpose of these examples is to show the relevance of taking into account as precisely as possible the full opto-thermal and geometric characteristics of a system.