Some embodiments include methods, and systems of machining using a beam of photons. In some embodiments, a machining method to remove material in a machined region may include reducing transparency of the region to at least a predefined wavelength by irradiating the region with a first beam of photons to induce generation of free electrons in the region; and machining the region with a second beam of photons having the predefined wavelength. Other embodiments are described and claimed.