High-power Nanosecond Laser Pulses Research Articles

Nanosecond Laser Annealing of NMC 811 Cathodes for Enhanced Performance

Improved performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) plays a critical role in the future of next- generation battery applications. Nickel-rich layered oxides such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC 811), are popular cathodes due to their high energy densities. However, they suffer from high surface reactivity, which results in the formation of Li2CO3 passive layer. Herein, we show the role of nanosecond pulsed laser annealing (PLA) in improving the current capacity and cycling stability of LIBs by reducing the carbonate layer, in addition to forming a protective LiF layer and manipulating the NMC 811 microstructures. We use high-power nanosecond laser pulses in a controlled way to create nanostructured surface topography which has a positive impact on the capacity retention and current capacity by providing an increased active surface area, which influences the diffusion kinetics of lithium-ions in the electrode materials during the battery cycling process. Advanced characterizations show that the PLA treatment results in the thinning of the passive Li2CO3 layer, which is formed on as-received NMC811 samples, along with the decomposition of excess polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder. The high-power laser interacts with the decomposed binder and surface Li+ to form LiF phase, which acts as a protective layer to prevent surface reactive sites from initiating parasitic reactions. As a result, the laser treated cathodes show relative increase of the current capacity of up to 50%, which is consistent with electrochemical measurements of LiB cells.

Spatiotemporal shaping of high power laser pulses based on stimulated brillouin scattering

We proposed and numerically demonstrated the combination of temporal and spatial shaping of high power nanosecond laser pulses based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in this paper. With the intensity-dependence characteristic of SBS, the higher intensity parts of the laser beam obtain higher reflectivity, and the incident non-uniform high power laser beam would be well smoothed. A parameter adjustable feedback control loop was used to tailor the output temporal profile by pre-compensating the temporal profile of the input pump. In our numerical simulation, a 3 ns super-Gaussian shaped single-frequency laser pulse with a 527 nm wavelength was used as the pump. And the heavy fluorocarbon FC-70 was chosen as the Brillouin medium. Simulation results show that the laser spatial modulation can be significantly pulled down when the energy efficiency is maintained above 90% in our beam smoothing system with suitable laser intensity. The flat-toped laser pulses both in temporal and spatial domain were demonstrated to be achievable simultaneously. The method proposed here paves a simple and effective way to optimizing the near field pattern and temporal shape of high power laser systems.

Моделирование взаимодействия лазерного излучения с криогенной водородной пленкой на octree-сетках блочного типа

The paper presents a technique for simulating the laser-matter interaction. The technique is based on a single-temperature plasma model and includes schemes for solving three-dimensional gas dynamics equations, a nonlinear heat equation, and a method for calculating the thermal contribution of laser radiation by tracing rays through a computational grid. The schemes are implemented using the technology of local adaptation of computational grids of the octree type. Results of three-dimensional simulation of the effect of a high-power nanosecond laser pulse on a layer of cryogenic hydrogen are presented.

Interference filters and their impact on FM-to-AM conversion: a method for investigation and characterization.

High-power nanosecond laser pulses are usually spectrally broadened via temporal phase modulations to tackle the issue of stimulated Brillouin scattering and to achieve optical smoothing of the focal spot. While propagating along the beamline, such pulses can undergo frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion. This phenomenon induces modulations of the optical power that can have a strong impact on laser performance. Interference filters are specific FM-to-AM conversion contributors that lead to high-frequency modulations that cannot be measured using conventional means. We propose an indirect method to investigate for such FM-to-AM contributors using spectral measurements. Further analysis of the collected data makes the quantification of the defining parameters of interference filters possible. In turn, we show that it is possible to estimate the range of power modulations induced by interference filters.

Efficient absorption of laser light by nano-porous materials with well-controlled structure

The absorption of high-power nanosecond laser pulses in a porous matter is investigated through theoretical and numerical calculations. The effects of structural properties of the porous target such as size of pores and thickness of solid elements on the laser absorption are investigated. The time and space-dependent absorption coefficient of the laser created partially homogenized plasma is used in a plasma hydrodynamic code to reproduce the laser absorption and plasma formation processes in a porous matter. It is observed that the structural characteristics of the porous material can be optimized to significantly increase the laser energy absorption. For porous targets with pore sizes in the range 30–60 nm a value around 1000 nm could be desirable for the wall thickness to increase the laser absorption efficiency to more than 90%. The results can be advantageous in production of efficient laser absorber targets which are desirable in advanced applications such as inertial confinement fusion and laser-plasma x-ray sources.

Inactivation of Bacteria during Stimulation of Sensitizers with High-Power Nanosecond Laser Pulses

Inactivation of Bacteria during Stimulation of Sensitizers with High-Power Nanosecond Laser Pulses

Phonon-Assisted Exciton Absorption in CdSe/CdS Colloidal Nanoplatelets

The features of the nonresonant absorption of CdSe nanoplatelets with a CdS shell are studied in the case of excitation to the exciton absorption edge by high-power nanosecond laser pulses. It is shown that the exciton–phonon interaction plays a key role in the processes of nonresonant absorption of photons in colloidal nanoplatelets. The observed features of the nonlinear change in absorption are explained by the effect of the partial filling of the exciton phase space owing to the interaction with longitudinal optical phonons.

Stimulated Low-Frequency Raman Scattering in a Single-Crystal Diamond with a Buried Graphitized Layer

The results of experimental observation of stimulated low-frequency Raman scattering (SLFRS) in a single-crystal diamond with a buried graphitized layer created as a result of nonlinear interaction of high-power nanosecond laser pulse with eigen oscillations of nanosized layers of diamond-graphite structures are presented. It is demonstrated that the frequency shift of the SLFRS is on the order of 10 GHz and is inversely proportional to geometrical dimensions of the nanolayers composing the structure.

Вынужденное низкочастотное комбинационное рассеяние света в монокристаллическом алмазе с заглубленным графитизированным слоем

AbstractThe results of experimental observation of stimulated low-frequency Raman scattering (SLFRS) in a single-crystal diamond with a buried graphitized layer created as a result of nonlinear interaction of high-power nanosecond laser pulse with eigen oscillations of nanosized layers of diamond-graphite structures are presented. It is demonstrated that the frequency shift of the SLFRS is on the order of 10 GHz and is inversely proportional to geometrical dimensions of the nanolayers composing the structure.

Gasification of Coal–Water Compositions by Laser Pulses of Various Intensity

The paper analyzes the processes occurring on the interaction of high-power nanosecond laser pulses with a coal–water mixture prepared from gas-coal waste. It was found that the rate of production of a mixture of CO and H2 sharply increased at a laser radiation intensity higher than 8 J/cm2. This was expressed in a sharp increase in the concentration of the combustible components of synthesis gas (CO, up to 0.57 vol %) and in a noticeable acceleration of the growth of the mass of a gas–aerosol fuel mixture upon the absorption of laser pulses (by 40%). At low pulse energy densities, the generation of a finely dispersed (particle size, 30–70 μm) fuel aerosol was a predominant process. Gasification came into play above the effective ablation threshold when the weight ratio between synthesis gas and the sprayed aerosol reached 1 : 3. Thus, the action of laser pulses makes it possible to convert coal preparation wastes into a highly flammable gas–aerosol fuel mixture.

Synthesis and Characterization of Quenched and Crystalline Phases: Q-Carbon, Q-BN, Diamond and Phase-Pure c-BN

We report the synthesis and characterization of quenched (Q-carbon and Q-BN) and crystalline (diamond and c-BN) phases using a non-equilibrium technique. These phases are formed as a result of the melting and subsequent quenching of amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline h-BN in a super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. Pulsed laser annealing also leads to the formation of nanoneedles, microneedles and single-crystal thin films of diamond and c-BN. This formation is dependent on the nucleation and growth times, which are controlled by laser energy density and thermal conductivities of substrate and as-deposited thin film. The diamond nuclei present in the Q-carbon structure (~ 80% sp3) can also be grown to larger sizes using the equilibrium hot filament chemical vapor deposition process. The texture of diamond and c-BN crystals is 〈111〉 under epitaxial growth and 〈110〉 under rapid unseeded crystallization. Our nanosecond laser processing opens up a roadmap to the fabrication of novel phases on heat-sensitive substrates.

Retraction Note to: Fundamental Discovery of New Phases and Direct Conversion of Carbon into Diamond and hBN into cBN and Properties

We review the discovery of new phases of carbon (Q-carbon) and BN (Q-BN) and address critical issues related to direct conversion of carbon into diamond and hBN into cBN at ambient temperatures and pressures in air without any need for catalyst and the presence of hydrogen. The Q-carbon and Q-BN are formed as a result of quenching from super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. We discuss the equilibrium phase diagram (P vs T) of carbon, and show that by rapid quenching, kinetics can shift thermodynamic graphite/diamond/liquid carbon triple point from 5000 K/12 GPa to super undercooled carbon at atmospheric pressure in air. Similarly, the hBN-cBN-Liquid triple point is shifted from 3500 K/9.5 GPa to as low as 2800 K and atmospheric pressure. It is shown that nanosecond laser heating of amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline BN on sapphire, glass, and polymer substrates can be confined to melt in a super undercooled state. By quenching this super undercooled state, we have created a new state of carbon (Q-carbon) and BN (Q-BN) from which nanocrystals, microcrystals, nanoneedles, microneedles, and thin films are formed depending upon the nucleation and growth times allowed and the presence of growth template. The large-area epitaxial diamond and cBN films are formed, when appropriate planar matching or lattice matching template is provided for growth from super undercooled liquid. The Q-phases have unique atomic structure and bonding characteristics as determined by high-resolution SEM and backscatter diffraction, HRTEM, STEM-Z, EELS, and Raman spectroscopy, and exhibit new and improved mechanical hardness, electrical conductivity, and chemical and physical properties, including room-temperature ferromagnetism and enhanced field emission. The Q-carbon exhibits robust bulk ferromagnetism with estimated Curie temperature of about 500 K and saturation magnetization value of 20 emu g−1. We have also deposited diamond on cBN by using a novel pulsed laser evaporation of carbon and obtained cBN/diamond composites, where cBN acts as template for diamond growth. Both diamond and cBN grown from super undercooled liquid can be alloyed with both p- and n-type dopants. This process allows carbon to diamond and hBN to cBN conversions and formation of useful nanostructures and microstructures at ambient temperatures in air at atmospheric pressure on practical and heat-sensitive substrates in a controlled way without need for any catalysts and hydrogen to stabilize sp3 bonding for diamond and cBN phases.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fundamental Discovery of New Phases and Direct Conversion of Carbon into Diamond and hBN into cBN and Properties

We review the discovery of new phases of carbon (Q-carbon) and BN (Q-BN) and address critical issues related to direct conversion of carbon into diamond and hBN into cBN at ambient temperatures and pressures in air without any need for catalyst and the presence of hydrogen. The Q-carbon and Q-BN are formed as a result of quenching from super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. We discuss the equilibrium phase diagram (P vs T) of carbon, and show that by rapid quenching, kinetics can shift thermodynamic graphite/diamond/liquid carbon triple point from 5000 K/12 GPa to super undercooled carbon at atmospheric pressure in air. Similarly, the hBN-cBN-Liquid triple point is shifted from 3500 K/9.5 GPa to as low as 2800 K and atmospheric pressure. It is shown that nanosecond laser heating of amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline BN on sapphire, glass, and polymer substrates can be confined to melt in a super undercooled state. By quenching this super undercooled state, we have created a new state of carbon (Q-carbon) and BN (Q-BN) from which nanocrystals, microcrystals, nanoneedles, microneedles, and thin films are formed depending upon the nucleation and growth times allowed and the presence of growth template. The large-area epitaxial diamond and cBN films are formed, when appropriate planar matching or lattice matching template is provided for growth from super undercooled liquid. The Q-phases have unique atomic structure and bonding characteristics as determined by high-resolution SEM and backscatter diffraction, HRTEM, STEM-Z, EELS, and Raman spectroscopy, and exhibit new and improved mechanical hardness, electrical conductivity, and chemical and physical properties, including room-temperature ferromagnetism and enhanced field emission. The Q-carbon exhibits robust bulk ferromagnetism with estimated Curie temperature of about 500 K and saturation magnetization value of 20 emu g−1. We have also deposited diamond on cBN by using a novel pulsed laser evaporation of carbon and obtained cBN/diamond composites, where cBN acts as template for diamond growth. Both diamond and cBN grown from super undercooled liquid can be alloyed with both p- and n-type dopants. This process allows carbon to diamond and hBN to cBN conversions and formation of useful nanostructures and microstructures at ambient temperatures in air at atmospheric pressure on practical and heat-sensitive substrates in a controlled way without need for any catalysts and hydrogen to stabilize sp3 bonding for diamond and cBN phases.

Novel phase of carbon, ferromagnetism, and conversion into diamond

We report the discovery of a new phase of carbon (referred to as Q-carbon) and address fundamental issues related to direct conversion of carbon into diamond at ambient temperatures and pressures in air without any need for catalyst and presence of hydrogen. The Q-carbon is formed as result of quenching from super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. We discuss the equilibrium phase diagram (P vs. T) of carbon and show that by rapid quenching kinetics can shift thermodynamic graphite/diamond/liquid carbon triple point from 5000 K/12 GPa to super undercooled carbon at atmospheric pressure in air. It is shown that nanosecond laser heating of diamond-like amorphous carbon on sapphire, glass, and polymer substrates can be confined to melt carbon in a super undercooled state. By quenching the carbon from the super undercooled state, we have created a new state of carbon (Q-carbon) from which nanodiamond, microdiamond, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films are formed depending upon the nucleation and growth times allowed for diamond formation. The Q-carbon quenched from liquid is a new state of solid carbon with a higher mass density than amorphous carbon and a mixture of mostly fourfold sp3 (75%–85%) with the rest being threefold sp2 bonded carbon (with distinct entropy). It is expected to have new and improved mechanical hardness, electrical conductivity, chemical, and physical properties, including room-temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) and enhanced field emission. Here we present interesting results on RTFM, enhanced electrical conductivity and surface potential of Q-carbon to emphasize its unique properties. The Q-carbon exhibits robust bulk ferromagnetism with estimated Curie temperature of about 500 K and saturation magnetization value of 20 emu g−1. From the Q-carbon, diamond phase is nucleated and a variety of micro- and nanostructures and large-area single-crystal diamond sheets are grown by allowing growth times as needed. Subsequent laser pulses can be used to grow nanodiamond into microdiamond and nucleate other nanostructures of diamond on the top of existing microdiamond and create novel nanostructured materials. The microstructural details provide insights into the mechanism of formation of nanodiamond, microdiamond, nanoneedles, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films. This process allows carbon-to-diamond conversion and formation of useful nanostructures and microstructures at ambient temperatures in air at atmospheric pressure on practical and heat-sensitive substrates in a controlled way without need for any catalysts and hydrogen to stabilize sp3 bonding for diamond formation.

Estimation of excited-state absorption and photobleaching in Fe²⁺-doped lithium sodium silicate glass under exposure to high-power nanosecond laser pulses.

Fe-doped lithium sodium silicate glasses codoped with Sn and C to promote the Fe²⁺ redox state are investigated under simultaneous excitation at the first and third harmonics of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser. The aim is to evaluate critical parameters associated with the potential use of this material as an optical filter that transmits the third harmonic but blocks the fundamental frequency. Estimations of the excited-state absorption coefficient and photobleaching (reduction of absorption at the fundamental) are provided. The results provide insight on the design and expected operational parameters of this type of Fe-doped materials.

Physics of Laser-Induced Plasma Streams Under Irradiation of Metals with Nanosecond Laser Radiation Pulses at Atmospheric Pressure

We have investigated the physics of the processes of incipient formation, development, and breakdown of vapor-plasma streams formed under the action of high-power (108–109 W/cm2) nanosecond laser pulses on massive metal targets in air. The main theoretical models of the process of laser erosion of metals by nanosecond pulses have been considered. A comparison has been made between the results of experimental and theoretical investigations of the laser erosion processes.

Time-resolved measurements of shock-induced cavitation bubbles in liquids

A novel experimental method for the measurement of cavitation bubble dynamics is presented. The method makes use of a collimated cw HeNe laser beam that is focused onto a photodiode. A cavitation bubble centered in the laser beam leads to refraction and thus changes the diode signal. With sufficient temporal resolution of the measurement, the evolution of the bubble dynamics, and in particular, the collapse, could be well resolved (limitation is only due to diode response and oscilloscope bandwidth). In the present work this is demonstrated with cavitation bubbles generated with high-power nanosecond and femtosecond laser pulses, respectively. Bubble evolution is studied in two different liquids (water and glycerine) and at different temperatures and pressures.

Strong nonlinear growth of energy coupling during laser irradiation of transparent dielectrics and its significance for laser induced damage

The interaction of high power nanosecond laser pulses with absorbing defects, located in the bulk of transparent dielectric materials and having a multilevel electronic structure, is addressed. The model assumes a moderate localized initial absorption that is strongly enhanced during the laser pulse via excited state absorption and thermally driven generation of new point defects in surrounding material. This model is applied to laser induced damage initiation in the bulk of potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals (KH2PO4 or KDP) and addresses how during a fraction of the pulse duration the host material around the defect cluster is transformed into a strong absorber that leads to the sufficiently large energy coupling resulting in a damage event. This scenario is supported by time resolved imaging of material modification during the initial phases of laser induced damage in KDP and fused silica.

Time-resolved spectrum characteristics of instantaneous plasma generation and evolution processes in nanosecond laser-Cu-target

The physical processes in the generation and the evolution of copper plasma induced by a high power nanosecond laser pulse are investigated with time-resolved spectrum. In the solid-gas-liquid phase transition, the intensity of reflected beam evolving with time markedly reveals the absorption of laser energy in the laser-copper interacting zone. So the phase transitions on the surface of copper target result in the fact that intensity of reflected beam evolving with time obviously presents a double-peak structure. Meanwhile, the appearance times of the plasma-gas-liquid phase transition on the target surface is advanced with the increase of peak-power of laser pulse. Therefore, these transient properties can be an efficient approach to diagnosing the phase transitions of copper target when the laser irradiates the target surface.

Propagation Characteristics of Photomechanical Waves and Their Application to Gene Delivery into Deep Tissue

Targeted gene transfection can be achieved by the use of photomechanical waves (PMWs) generated by irradiating a solid material with high-power nanosecond laser pulses. To examine the treatable tissue depth, we investigated propagation characteristics of PMWs and depth-dependent properties of gene transfection with different laser fluences and spot diameters. Pressure characteristics of PMWs were measured at different propagation distances using tissue phantoms and their propagation was imaged by shadowgraphing. Phantoms with various thicknesses were placed on rat dorsal skin that had been injected with plasmid DNA coding for a reporter gene and three pulses of PMWs were applied from the top of each phantom. Significant gene expression was observed in the skin even under a 15-mm-thick tissue phantom and the depth-dependent relationships between PMW parameters and gene expression level were revealed. The data obtained will be useful for determining appropriate laser parameters for PMW-based gene transfer into deep-located tissue.