Ultrashort pulse laser-induced submicron bubbles generation due to the near-surface material modification of soda-lime glass

•Near threshold, single ultrashort pulsed laser induces in bubbles in glass.•Multi-pulse overlapping effects influence the bubbles’ damage and shape.•Sub-surface nano size bubbles can be account for incubation effects.•Near-surface composition, sub-surface bubbles and jet formation can influence laser ablation of glass.•Near-surface composition alterations provide conditions for bubble shell formation.