Ionization dynamics of sub-micrometer-sized clusters in intense ultrafast laser pulses

Sub-micrometer-sized targets are found in intense laser–cluster interaction experiments and laser-based material processing. Here, we investigate the internal field localization due to Mie scattering its effect on ionization dynamics sub-micrometer-sized clusters using calculation particle-in-cell simulations. As a result of intertwined processes pulse propagation ionization, sub-micrometer nanofocusing dominates at lower intensity gives rise an hotspot rear while plasma shielding wins over higher intensity, stopping further side ionization. is often precursor other processes, understanding ultrafast laser pulses with wavelength-sized nanostructure can be relevant for laser-cluster femtosecond micro-/nanomachining.