2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/96415This chapter aims at identifying what is specific to femtosecond laser ablation. It reviews the essential basic processes which contribute to femtosecond laser ablation of various materials : energy absorption by the material's electrons, electronic relaxation processes involving either electron-electron or electron-lattice interactions. A number of widely used models are briefly discussed, as well as some pending questions.In French - Acte Ecole thématique "Femto2004", Porquerolles, Sept. 2004Materials Sciencetext