  We propose a model accounting for plasmons within a two temperature
description, to investigate the role of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in the
energy redistribution between laser excited electrons and the lattice, leading
to surface restructuring of the material. This energy transfer can lead to the
creation of laser induced surface structures in metals illuminated by an
ultrashort laser pulse. The Two Temperature Model + Plasmon (TTM+P) equations
are constructed by applying perturbation theory on the energy-, momentum- and
density conservation equations of free electrons in metals. We consider three
subsystems: the lattice, the thermalized electrons and the SPP, subject to an
external laser field irradiation. The interference between the laser and SPP
fields leads to spatially modulated energy absorption by the electronic system,
and, through electron-phonon collisions, periodically shapes the lattice
temperature. A numerical analysis is performed on a 1D model for gold. We show
the emergence of a periodic modulation of the lattice temperature, which may
contribute to laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS).
