Thermal action of high-power laser radiation on the surface of a solid

A theoretical analysis is made of the thermal action of high-power laser radiation on the surface of a solid. Temperature and stress fields generated in an irradiated solid are investigated. Dependences of the maximum laser radiation intensities are calculated as a function of the pulse duration. These calculations are made for three states of a reflecting surface corresponding to maximum permissible elastic stress on the surface, plastic flow producing residual stresses, and melting of the surface layer.