Laser Irradiation Experiments Research Articles

In vitro study on nanosecond-pulsed Q-switched Er:YAG laser-induced selective removal for caries dentin

Since 2000, Federation Dentaire Internationale has advocated for “minimal intervention” dental treatments. The dental field has demanded less-invasive caries treatment methods. However, recent caries treatments using a microsecond-pulsed free-running Er:YAG laser with a pulse duration of 200–300 μs have issues with non-selectivity for caries due to the thermal effect caused by the laser. To improve the selectivity by reducing the thermal effect, the ablation characteristics of a nanosecond-pulsed Er:YAG laser are investigated. A Q-switched Er:YAG laser with a rotating mirror Q-switching system attached to a flash lamp-pumped Er:YAG laser and a free-running Er:YAG laser were used. The pulse duration of the Q-switched Er:YAG laser was 80–130 ns, while that of the free-running Er:YAG laser was around 200 μs. The pulse repetition rate of the free-running Er:YAG laser was constant at 10 Hz, but that of the Q-switched Er:YAG laser fluctuated between 10 and 23 Hz. The fluence was 6, 10, or 14 J/cm2. The samples were bovine sound dentin slices and caries models. Caries models were prepared by immersing sound dentin slice samples into a 0.1-M lactic acid solution for 24 h at 37 °C. The samples were irradiated with the two lasers horizontally without water spray for 1, 2, or 4 s. Laser irradiation experiments indicate that the selectivity towards caries occurs at the fluence of 6 J/cm2 without water spray. The ablation depth of a demineralized dentin slice by the Q-switched Er:YAG laser is about three times that by the free-running Er:YAG laser at the fluence of 10 J/cm2. In addition, the Q-switched Er:YAG laser suppresses the thermal effect reducing the range of the thermal melting area. Caries dentin may be selectively removed without water spray using the Q-switched Er:YAG laser with suppressing dental pulp necrosis because the temperature increase is below 5 °C. The ablation depths by the Q-switched Er:YAG are about three times larger than those using the free-running Er:YAG laser.

Growth of multi-morphology amorphous silicon oxycarbide nanowires during the laser ablation of polymer-derived silicon carbonitride

Multi-morphology amorphous SiOC nanowires were successfully prepared within the interfacial interstices between the unaffected SiCN ceramic and the bracket during the laser ablation of polymer-derived SiCN ceramic in a low-pressure argon atmosphere. Laser irradiation experiments were performed using a continuous-wave CO2 laser, and the gas source for the growth of amorphous SiOC nanowires was provided by the laser ablation of the SiCN ceramic. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the amorphous SiOC nanowires possess a SiO2 dominated nanostructure, and the formation of amorphous SiOC nanowires is attributed to the good diffusivity of CO in SiO2. The morphologies of the amorphous SiOC nanowires include straight nanowires, beaded nanowires, helical nanowires, and branched nanowires, and these are determined by the flowing state of the reactant gases, the laser power, and the surface morphology of the SiCN ceramics. Each amorphous SiOC nanowire with specific morphology can be uniformly distributed in separate regions, which makes it possible to control the growth of amorphous SiOC nanowires in different morphologies.

Antioxidant Sensing by Spiropyrans: Substituent Effects and NMR Spectroscopic Studies.

The development of stimuli-responsive small molecules for probing biologically active antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) has important ramifications in the detection of oxidative stress. An ideal sensor for biological applications should exhibit sufficient sensitivity and selectivity for detection at physiological concentrations and be reversible to allow continuous and dynamic monitoring of antioxidant levels. Designing a suitable sensor thus requires a detailed understanding of activation properties and mechanism of action. In this work, we report a new set of GSH-responsive spiropyrans and demonstrate how changes in the electronic structure of spiropyrans influence GSH sensing with high specificity versus other structurally similar and biologically relevant redox-active molecules. The sensitivity, selectivity, kinetics, binding constant, and reversibility of GSH-responsive-substituted spiropyrans were investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy and laser irradiation experiments. Detailed studies of the mechanism of interaction between spiropyrans with GSH were investigated using NMR spectroscopy. Understanding how electronic effects impact the sensing ability of spiropyrans toward antioxidants and elucidating the mechanism of the spiropyran-GSH interaction will facilitate the design of more effective sensors for detection of antioxidants in vivo.

Thermal stability and nanostructure evolution of amorphous SiCN ceramics during laser ablation in an argon atmosphere

The thermal stability and nanostructure evolution of amorphous SiCN ceramics during laser ablation in an argon atmosphere were investigated. Laser irradiation experiments were performed by using a continuous wave CO2 laser, and a finite element simulation was conducted to quantify the non-uniform temperature field during the laser irradiation. Three regions with different ablation behaviours were identified based on the radial temperature gradient. Cracks extended through these three regions because of the large thermal stress. In the reaction zone, the SiCN ceramic surface was covered by only porous SiC because of the carbothermic reaction. In the transition zone, a weak carbothermic reaction occurred at the surface of the SiCN particles, but the graphitisation of the carbon nanostructure was enhanced dramatically. The heat affected zone showed no change in the microstructure morphology. However, the carbon nanostructure also exhibited higher graphitization.

Bi-directional reflectance and polarization measurements of pulse-laser irradiated airless body analog materials

Space weathering (SW) processes including solar wind irradiation and micrometeorite bombardment produce nano-phase iron (npFe) and amorphous layers that redden and darken the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectra of the surface of airless bodies. To understand how SW may affect the directional reflectance and polarization properties of regolith layers, we carried out pulsed laser irradiation experiments to simulate micrometeorite bombardment process on olivine (OL), orthopyroxene (OPX), anorthosite (AN), ilmenite (ILM), and JSC-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant (LRS). All samples have been equalized with a size distribution of (<45 μm) and the unsieved LRS with (<1 mm) was also used. Depending on each sample's difficulty level of weathering, 2 to 8 irradiations with single pulse energy of 50 mJ were used in the irradiations. We measured the spectral reflectance from 0.5 to 25 μm, bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and polarization phase curves at 0.633 μm of the samples before and after irradiations. Scanning electron microscopic images show that the irradiated samples become rougher with produced melts and agglutinates. The VNIR reflectance spectra of all irradiated samples show prominent darkening and reddening, except for the unsieved LSR sample which shows spectral blueing. Compared to that of the original samples, the BRDF of irradiated OL and OPX have both enhanced back- and forward-scattering components, while the other 4 samples have enhanced backscattering but nearly unchanged (AN, ILM, JSC-1A (<45 μm)) or decreased (JSC-1A (<1 mm)) forward scattering. In general, the irradiated samples have larger positive polarization values DOPmax as compared to the original samples, consistent with the Umov law prediction. Within measurement uncertainties, the irradiated samples did not show systematic changes in the minimum polarization value DOPmin and the polarization inversion angle αinv. Using OL as an example, numerical radiative transfer computations verified that, the BRDF of olivine grains with npFe distributed uniformly inside the grains or coated with npFe have enhanced back- and forward scattering components as compared with that of the original grains, consistent with measurement results. A 5-parameter Hapke photometric model inversion has shown that all sample grains except OPX have become more backscattering (with smaller asymmetry parameters) upon the strongest irradiation as compared with the original ones. These results indicate that the directional reflectance properties of space weathered regolith grains of airless bodies may be more backscattering than that of fresh materials.

A gatling-gun target delivery system for high-intensity laser irradiation experiments

Abstract Intense laser irradiation experiments of sub-micrometer scale targets are currently performed at slow shot rates. This limitation is the result of the inability to place such targets quickly and accurately in the focus of the laser. Here we present a target setup that enables irradiation at a high rate and sub-wavelength positioning accuracy. Three hundred targets were micro-machined and mounted on a single Si wafer. The system implements a closed feedback loop between a triangulation displacement sensor and a motorized manipulator. Using this setup, we demonstrate repeatable stable proton acceleration from 600 nm thick Au foils at a rate of 0.2 Hz. This system will enable studies that require a large overall dose, high statistical significance, or a fine scan of target geometric attributes.

Study on melting and solidification behaviors of tungsten loaded by high heat flux for divertor in tokamak fusion reactor

Tungsten is a candidate as a surface material of divertor in Tokamak fusion reactor. A pulsed high heat flux emitted in plasma disruption and Type I Edge Localized Mode (ELM) is considered to melt the tungsten surface repeatedly. The repetitive phase change can transmute surface characteristics of divertor and then reduce the thermal resistance. For the safety design and the development acceleration of fusion demonstration reactor, investigation and understanding of surface melting and solidification procedure are important. In previous studies, experiments have been conducted by Ueda et al. and the surface after the laser irradiation had the geometry as a crater with a center cone. However, the formation mechanism of the crater was not fully understood. In this paper, two measurement methods are studied. One is an in-situ observation method of tungsten and molybdenum surface during the laser irradiation using high speed video camera, and another is a 3-dimensional measurement of tungsten surface shape after the laser irradiation experiments using a stereoscopic photography technique. In the former, it was confirmed that a molten pool had wavy surface pattern until solidification, and the applicability of the stereoscopic photography technique for the in-situ observation during the laser irradiation was indicated in the latter.

Host lattice effects on the design of different metallophilic nanoclusters with novel photonic properties

Abstract Designing nanocluster systems in given host lattices with specific photophysical properties requires the careful selection of dopants and of the host lattice. Nanocluster size and structure, which influence these properties, are dependent on metallophilic interactions between dopant metal complexes as well as metal complex interactions with the specific host. In this study, luminescence spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, along with atomistic simulations and DFT calculations are utilized to analyze d8 Pt(CN)42− and d10 Cu(CN)2− complexes doped alone or together in different alkali halide hosts. Nanocluster size and structure are found to be dependent upon the host lattice, which are explained by the interaction energies from atomistic calculations. What we observe in these mixed d10-d8 systems with certain host lattices is electron transfer from the d10 donor to the d8 acceptor ion. This electron transfer is not observed in pure systems. The importance of cluster size and structure is exemplified through laser irradiation experiments which show different photochemical reactions with different alkali halide host lattices.

Ablation Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed La1-xSrxTiO3+δ Coating Irradiated by High-Intensity Continuous Laser.

Laser protection for optical components, particularly those in high-power laser systems, has been a major concern. La1-xSrxTiO3+δ with its good optical and thermal properties can be potentially applied as a high-temperature optical protective coating or high-reflectivity material for optical components. However, the high-power laser ablation behavior of plasma-sprayed La1-xSrxTiO3+δ (x = 0.1) coatings has rarely been investigated. Thus, in this study, laser irradiation experiments were performed to study the effect of high-intensity continuous laser on the ablation behavior of the La1-xSrxTiO3+δ coating. The results show that the La1-xSrxTiO3+δ coating undergoes three ablation stages during laser irradiation: coating oxidation, formation and growth of new structures (columnar and dendritic crystals), and mechanical failure. A finite-element simulation was also conducted to explore the mechanism of the ablation damage to the La1-xSrxTiO3+δ coating and provided a good understanding of the ablation behavior. The apparent ablation characteristics are attributed to the different temperature gradients determined by the reflectivity and thermal diffusivity of the La1-xSrxTiO3+δ coating material, which are critical factors for improving the antilaser ablation property. Now, the stainless steel substrate deposited by it can effectively work as a protective shield layer against ablation by laser irradiation.

Impact Characteristics of Different Rocks in a Pulsed Laser Irradiation Experiment: Simulation of Micrometeorite Bombardment on the Moon

AbstractWithout the protection of the atmosphere, the soils on lunar surfaces undergo a series of optical, physical, and chemical changes during micrometeorite bombardment. To simulate the micrometeorite bombardment process and analyze the impact characteristics, four types of rocks, including terrestrial basalt and anorthosite supposed to represent lunar rock, an H‐type chondrite (the Huaxi ordinary chondrite), and an iron meteorite (the Gebel Kamil iron meteorite) supposed to represent micrometeorite impactors, are irradiated by a nanosecond pulse laser in a high vacuum chamber. Based on laser irradiation experiments, the laser pits are found to be of different shapes and sizes which vary with the rock type. Many melt and vapor deposits are found on the mineral surfaces of all the samples, and nanophase iron (npFe) or Fe‐Ni alloy particles are typically distributed on the surfaces of ilmenite, kamacite, or other minerals near kamacite. By analyzing the focused ion beam ultrathin slices of laser pits with a transmission electron microscope, the results show that the subsurface structures can be divided into three classes and that npFe can be easily found in Fe‐bearing minerals. These differences in impact characteristics will help determine the source material of npFe and infer the type of micrometeorite impactors. During micrometeorite bombardment, in the mare regions, the npFe are probably produced simultaneously from lunar basalt and micrometeorites with iron‐rich minerals, while the npFe in the highlands regions mainly come from micrometeorites.

Space weathering of silicate regoliths with various FeO contents: New insights from laser irradiation experiments and theoretical spectral simulations

To investigate effects of micrometeorite bombardment on optical spectra and composition of planetary and asteroid regoliths with low Fe contents, we irradiated samples of a Fe-poor plagioclase feldspar (andesine–labradorite) using a nanosecond pulsed laser. We measured reflectance spectra of irradiated and non-irradiated areas of the samples (pressed pellets) between 0.5 and 18μm and performed SEM/EDS and TEM studies of the samples. Bulk FeO content of 0.72wt.% in the samples is comparable, for example, to FeO content in silicates on the surface of Mercury, that was recently mapped by NASA’s MESSENGER mission and will be spectrally mapped by remote sensing instruments MERTIS and SYMBIO-SYS on board the ESA BepiColombo spacecraft. We also employed theoretical spectral modeling to characterize optical alteration caused by formation of nano- and submicrometer Fe0 inclusions within space-weathered surface layers and grain rims of a Fe-poor regolith. The laser-irradiated surface layer of plagioclase reveals significant melting, while reflectance spectra show mild darkening and reddening in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR). Our spectral modeling indicates that the optical changes observed in the visible require reduction of bulk FeO (including Fe from mineral impurities found in the sample) and formation of nanophase (np) Fe0 within the glassy surface layer. A vapor deposit, if present, is optically too thin to contribute to optical modification of the investigated samples or to cause space weathering-induced optical alteration of Fe-poor regoliths in general. Due to low thickness of vapor deposits, npFe0 formation in the latter can cause darkening and reddening only for a regolith with rather high bulk Fe content. Our calculations show that only a fraction of bulk Fe is likely to be converted to npFe0 in nanosecond laser irradiation experiments and probably in natural regolith layers modified by space weathering. The previously reported differences in response of different minerals to laser irradiation, and probably to space weathering-induced heating are likely controlled by their differences in electrical conductivities and melting points. For a given mineral grain, its susceptibility to melting/vaporization is also affected by electric conductivities of adjacent grains of other minerals in the regolith. Published nanosecond laser irradiation experiments simulate optical alteration of immature regoliths, since only the uppermost surface layer of an irradiated pellet is subject to heating. According to our calculations, if regolith particles due to impact-induced turnover are mantled with npFe0-bearing rims of the same thickness, then even low contents of Fe similar to our sample or Mercury’ surface can cause significant darkening and reddening, provided a melt layer, rather than a thin vapor deposit is involved into npFe0 formation. All spectral effects observed in the thermal infrared (TIR) after irradiation of our feldspar sample are likely to be associated with textural changes. We expect that mineralogical interpretation of the BepiColombo MERTIS infrared spectra of Mercury between 7 and 17μm will be influenced mostly by textural effects (porosity, comminution) and impact glass formation rather than formation of npFe0 inclusions.

Structural modification in amorphous silica after exposure to low fluence 355 nm laser irradiation

UV laser irradiation induced structural modification in amorphous silica was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and X-ray induced photoelectron spectroscopy. Laser irradiation experiment was conducted using a 3 ω, 355 nm beam from a pulsed Nd-YAG laser with pulse length of 6.8 ns and laser repetition rate of 1 Hz at ambient conditions. The examined laser fluence was controlled at a relatively low level, ranging from 0 to 4 J/cm 2. The IR spectra revealed that the vibration frequency of the rocking mode of Si O Si covalent bond shifted to lower wave number, while the bending mode and asymmetric stretching mode of Si O Si covalent bond shifted to higher frequency. This result suggested that the length of Si O Si covalent bond was decreased, the bond angle was increased and the irradiation modified material was densified after irradiation. The high resolution XPS spectra of Si 2p and O 1s illustrated the chemical shift of silicon and oxygen ions after irradiation. The XPS chemical shift of the Si 2p peak about 1.1 eV revealed the existence of low valence silicon ions Si 3+ species in silica glass after irradiation. The chemical shift of the O 1s peak about 0.9 eV illustrated the emergence of non-bridging oxygen ions during laser irradiation. The deconvoluted peak area and FWHM value of low valence silicon ions and non-bridging oxygen ions all exhibited exponentially growth as the linearly elevation of laser fluence. UV laser-induced photolysis of Si O covalent bond was suggested to be responsible for the formation and increase of low valence silicon ions and non-bridging oxygen ions. These FT-IR and XPS data revealed that short range structural modifications were important structure alterations in silica glass before the emergence of distinct and large size damage crater.

Thermal stress analysis on laser cross scribe of glass

In CO2 laser scribe processing of glass, an initial crack on the start edge of the glass is indispensable. When carrying out laser cross scribe, there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line. However, the second scribing progresses across the first scribed line. In this research, in order to clarify the phenomena of laser cross scribe, the laser irradiation experiments were carried out at various velocities of the second scribing. Using the same conditions as the experiments, three-dimensional thermal stress analyses were conducted by a finite element method. As a result, two kinds of forms were found in the progresses of the second scribing. One is a form that the first scribed crack surfaces are bonded by strong compression at high temperature in the heating area during the second scribing. The other is a form that the tensile stress in the cooling area which makes the second scribing progress is transmitted by the frictional force generated in the first scribed crack surface. Consequently the second scribing progresses across the first scribed line although there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line.

Influence of glass substrate thickness in laser scribing of glass

The thickness of the glass substrate used in liquid crystal displays continues to be decreased from its original thickness of 1.1 mm for the purpose reducing size and weight. The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of the glass substrate thickness during laser scribing with crack propagation caused by laser heating followed by quick quenching. The laser scribe conditions for soda-lime glass substrates with thickness equal to or less than 1.1 mm were obtained in laser irradiation experiments. Two-dimensional thermal elasticity analysis was conducted with a finite element method based on the scribable conditions obtained in the experiment. The laser scribable conditions can then be estimated by the upper limit of the maximum surface temperature, Tmax, and the lower limit of the maximum tensile stress, σtmax, in the cooling area, regardless of the glass substrate thickness. There is a substrate thickness with which the maximum tensile stress σtmax becomes the largest under each scribe condition. The substrate thickness with which σtmax becomes the largest is obtained at a faster scribe velocity for thinner glass substrate and at slower scribe velocity for thicker glass substrate. Owing to these relations, the crack depth also has almost the same tendency as σtmax.

Influence of thermal expansion coefficient in laser scribing of glass

Aluminosilicate glass, which has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient, is used as a glass substrate in liquid crystal displays, whereas soda-lime glass is generally used for such items as windows. The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of the thermal expansion coefficient on the glass substrate during laser scribing with crack propagation produced by laser heating and followed by quick quenching. The laser scribe conditions with aluminosilicate glass and fused silica were obtained in laser irradiation experiments to compare the difference of glass materials. Two-dimensional thermal elasticity analysis was then conducted with a finite element method based on the experimental results. The laser scribable condition of aluminosilicate glass can be estimated by combining the upper limit of the maximum surface temperature and the lower limit of the maximum tensile stress in the cooling area. The tensile stress generated in the cooling area decreases as the thermal expansion coefficient decreases. Therefore, fused silica, whose thermal expansion is much lower than aluminosilicate glass, is rarely applicable in laser scribing for separation.

Thermal stress analysis on laser scribing of glass

In the laser scribing of glass a thermal stress is introduced into a glass substrate by means of a CO2 laser irradiation. The glass substrate is then rapidly cooled down by water jet immediately after the irradiation. For the purpose of theoretical clarification of the factors ruling the scribable condition and the crack depth, scribable conditions were acquired in laser irradiation experiments using a soda-lime glass substrate having a thickness of 0.7 mm. Furthermore, the crack depth and the crack edge profile were observed for various values of the distance between the heating area and the cooling area. On the basis of the scribable conditions obtained from the experiments results, a thermal elasticity analysis was conducted by a finite element method. The following results were obtained. The scribable condition can be estimated from the maximum tensile stress in the cooling area and the maximum temperature in the heating area. The crack depth in laser scribing depends on the tensile stress in the cooling area and the compressive stress field immediately under the area.

Thickness dependence of electrical properties of PZT films deposited on metal substrates by laser-assisted aerosol deposition

Dependence of electrical properties-dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties-on film thickness was studied for lead-zirconate titanate (PZT) thick films directly deposited onto stainless-steel (SUS) substrates in actuator devices by using a carbon dioxide (CO(2) ), laser assisted aerosol deposition technique. Optical spectroscopic analysis data and laser irradiation experiments revealed that absorption at a given wavelength by the film increased with increasing film thickness. Dielectric constant epsilon, remanent polarization value P(r), and coercive field strength E(c) of PZT films directly deposited onto a SUS-based piezoelectric actuator substrate annealed by CO(2) laser irradiation at 850 degrees C improved with increasing film thickness, and for films thicker than 25 microm, epsilon 800, P(r) 40 microC/cm(2), and E(c) 45 kV/cm. In contrast, the displacement of the SUS-based actuator with the laser-annealed PZT thick film decreased with increasing film thickness.

Thermal Stress Analysis on Laser Cross Scribe of Glass

In CO2 laser scribe processing of glass, an initial crack on the start edge of the glass is indispensable. When carrying out laser cross scribe, there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line. However, the second scribe progresses across the first scribed line. In this research, in order to clarify the phenomena of laser cross scribe, the laser irradiation experiments were carried out at various velocities of the second scribing. Using the same conditions as the experiments, three-dimensional thermal stress analyses were conducted by a finite element method. As a result, two kinds of forms were found in the progresses of the second scribe. One is a form that the first scribed crack surfaces are bonded by strong compression at high temperature in the heating area during the second scribing. The other is a form that the tensile stress in the cooling area which makes the second scribe progress is transmitted by the frictional force generated in the first scribed crack surface. Consequently the second scribe progresses across the first scribed line although there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line.

Three-dimensional thermal stress analysis on laser scribing of glass

In the laser scribing of glass a thermal stress is introduced into a glass plate by means of CO2 laser irradiation. The glass plate is rapidly cooled down by water jet immediately after the irradiation. For the purpose of theoretical clarification of the factors ruling the scribable condition and the crack depth, scribable conditions were acquired in laser irradiation experiments using a soda-lime glass plate having a thickness of 0.7 mm. Furthermore, the crack depth and the crack profile were observed for various values of the distance between the heating area and the cooling area. On the basis of the scribable conditions obtained from the experiments, a three-dimensional thermal stress analysis was conducted by a finite element method, allowing the following findings to be obtained. The scribable condition can be estimated from the maximum surface tensile stress in the cooling area and the maximum surface temperature. The crack depth in laser scribing depends on the surface tensile stress in the cooling area and the compressive stress field immediately under that area.

Numerical and experimental study on the thermal shock strength of Tungsten by laser irradiation

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal shock property of Tungsten through finite element method and laser irradiation experiments. A finite element model is developed to simulate the thermal shock behavior of Tungsten irradiated by a laser beam. An axis-symmetric model is adopted to perform the numerical simulation with the finite element code ABAQUS. The element removal and reactivation methods are used to simulate the melting and solidification processes, where the latent heat of Tungsten is introduced to consider the additional heat due to phase change. Distributions of the radial and circumferential stresses are discussed in detail. In addition, a three dimensional finite element model is also developed to calculate the value of K I. Variations of K I at the tip points of a radial crack with time in the cooling process are obtained. The critical power density curves are presented by taking the tensile strength criterion. Finally the thermal shock experiments are performed. Good agreements between the numerical solutions and the experimental results are achieved. It is concluded that the critical power density curves can be a measure to evaluate the thermal shock strength of Tungsten.