Surface modification of copper using high intensity, 1015Â W/cm2, femtosecond laser in vacuum

► Bulk copper surface modification with femtosecond laser in vacuum was studied. ► High (1015) and reduced laser intensity (1013 W/cm2) modified the copper surface. ► Crater and periodic surface structure features were recorded at these intensities. ► Nearly complete oxygen removal from the damage area. ► Plasma emission contains soft and hard X-ray radiation.