Multipulse nanosecond laser modification of steel surface

Abstract

Results of surface modification are presented for MnNiCrMo-steel samples exposed to a Nd:YAG laser operating in a pulse-periodic mode (10 Hz frequency, 532 nm wavelength and 17 ns pulse duration). The steel samples were irradiated in air by a series of laser pulses at a fluence of 10.7 J cm(-2) close to a plasma formation threshold. Surface structures were examined by optical, scanning electron and confocal optical microscopy. The appearance of the detected surface structures strongly depends on the number of laser pulses and power density of laser radiation. Significant differences were found between laser-induced structures in the center of the laser spot, at its edges and in the nearest surrounding of the laser spot. The reasons for such differences are discussed.