An investigation was made of the atomic-level microscopic dynamic behaviour of a solid-state nanopore lattice mending process by femtosecond laser annealing using a modified continuum-atomistic modelling approach. The nucleation and propagation of dislocation were also depicted via quantitative dislocation analyses. Three typical lattice mending phases, including (i) the incubation of dislocation nucleation, (ii) pressure-induced dislocation propagation and plastic deformation, and (iii) lattice recovery and reconstruction via thermal diffusion, were thoroughly characterized by the evolution of microscopic dislocation and the slope change of atomic mean-squared displacement curve. The results of the analyses indicated that the structural mending originated from the heterogeneous nucleation of dislocation from the pore surface. The laser-induced shock waves provided considerable mechanical work and, consequently, were transferred largely to become an equivalent applied stress on the activated glide planes. These pressure-induced multiple glides on a lattice near the pore rapidly and effectively enable the mending operations in solid-state structural transition processes. Subsequently, the relaxation of the compression stress led to the target material that was rapidly swelled in the z direction with an expansive strain rate of 2.2 x 109/s. The expansion dynamics and associated tension stress further induce drastic emissions of dislocation after the pore was completely mended. Moreover, it was also observed that the dislocation of sessile stair rods could act as a strong barrier to prevent further glide on slip planes, thus leading to a local strain-hardening effect. The simulation results presented provided comprehensive insights into a better understanding of the laser-induced solid-state nanopore mending process. The approach proposed here could also be modified and used to further investigate the mechanisms of laser-induced surface hardening with various advanced functional materials. Nucleation and Propagation of Dislocations during Nanopore Lattice Mending by Laser Annealing - Modified Continuum-Atomistic Modelling. P.H.Huang, H.Y.Lai: Physical Review B, 2008, 77[12], 125408