Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Irradiation Research Articles

Study on Radiation Damage of Silicon Solar Cell Electrical Parameters by Nanosecond Pulse Laser

This experimental study investigates the damage effects of nanosecond pulse laser irradiation on silicon solar cells. It encompasses the analysis of transient pulse signal waveform characteristics at the cells’ output and changes in electrical parameters, such as I–V curves before and after laser irradiation under varying laser fluence and background light intensities, and explores the underlying action mechanisms of laser irradiation. The study reveals that as the laser fluence increases up to 4.0 J/cm2, the peak value of the transient pulse signal increases by 47.5%, while the pulse width augments by 88.2% compared to the initial transient pulse signal. Furthermore, certain parameters, such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and peak power obtained, from the measured I–V curve indicate a threshold laser fluence for functional degradation of the solar cell at approximately 1.18 ± 0.42 J/cm2. Results obtained from laser irradiation under different background light intensities underscore the significant influence of background light on laser irradiation of silicon cells, with the most severe damage occurring in the absence of light. Moreover, findings from laser irradiation at multiple locations on the silicon cell demonstrate a linear decrease in the output voltage of the silicon cell with an increase in the number of irradiation points.

Significant improvement in surface hardness of CrMnFeCoNi high entropy alloy via nanosecond pulse laser grain refinement

The CrMnFeCoNi alloy with a stable single face-centered cubic (FCC) phase, representing a typical class of high-entropy alloys (HEAs), has garnered considerable attention owing to their exceptional mechanical properties. However, the inherent low hardness has impeded their utilization in structural or contact components. This study attempted to improve the surface hardness of CrMnFeCoNi HEA via grain refinement realized by nanosecond pulse laser irradiation. The effects of laser parameters on the surface microstructures, chemical composition, and mechanical properties were investigated, and the mechanism for grain refinement was analyzed. The experimental results showed that the hardness of the laser-irradiated surface was significantly improved without altering the chemical composition. This study provides a simple but effective method to refine the grain of HEAs and improve their surface hardness.

Crystallization of Germanium-SiO2 composite films via nanosecond laser pulse irradiation

Germanium (Ge)-SiO2 composite films fabricated by using radio frequency magnetron co-sputtering were subjected to nanosecond (ns) laser pulse irradiation. The intense laser irradiation effects on as deposited composite films lead to the modification and the formation of Ge nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in SiO2. The as-deposited and laser treated samples have been characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman spectroscopy to understand the formation of Ge NCs due to laser irradiation. The respective Ge NCs related peaks in XRD pattern as well as the Ge-Ge related optical phonon vibrational peaks in micro-Raman spectra confirm the formation of Ge NCs. Transmission electron microscopy images indicate the formation of Ge NCs after the laser irradiation. The effects of laser pulse energy and the irradiation time play a vital role in the crystallization of the as-deposited films. The changes in the Ge NCs size related shifts in the peak position of Ge optical phonons from the Raman spectra of the respective samples are explained with Ge-Ge optical phonon vibrational model. The observed photoluminescence emission in the green and red region of the visible spectrum from the laser treated samples are explained using the phenomenon of creation of Ge NCs in the Ge+SiO2 composite films and the oxygen defects created in SiO2 during the ns laser treatment.

Effect of process parameters on the corrosion kinetics and mechanism of nanosecond laser surface structured titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V)

In this study, laser surface structuring (LSS) of Ti6Al4V was carried out using an Nd:YLF laser with a second harmonic wavelength of 527 nm and a pulse duration of 100 ns at varied laser fluence, scan speed, and line spacing. A detailed study of the effect of process parameters on surface topography, microstructure, composition, phase, contact angle, electrochemical behavior, and bioactivity was undertaken. Nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation with overlapping resulted in the formation of linear continuous grooves on the surface due to ablation/evaporation of materials. There is the formation of oxides of titanium (TiO2 and Ti2O3) whose mass fractions varied with process parameters. The average microhardness of the laser-structured region was improved (393 VHN - 535 VHN) as compared to the as-received Ti6Al4V (303 VHN). The contact angle of simulated body fluid (SBF) against the structured surface (58°- 123°) showed increased contact angle as compared to as-received samples (50°). The laser surface structuring exhibited a superior corrosion resistance property (in SBF) as compared to as-received Ti6Al4V. The mechanism of corrosion behavior was established by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic study (in SBF). The optimum process parameter for the LSS of Ti6Al4V with enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance was derived. The LSS surface processed under the optimum parameters measured by immersing in SBF revealed a higher deposition of calcium phosphate as compared to the as-received Ti6Al4V.

Controllable fabrication of Sub-20nm structures with coupling field tip enhancement effect induced by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation

The nanofabrication technique using nanosecond pulsed laser irradiated probes still faces challenges in achieving controllable processing of nanostructure morphology and feature size, as well as a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms involved in nanostructuring. This study used AFM probes irradiated with nanosecond pulsed lasers to realize controllable processing of nano-lines and nanopatterned structures on metal surfaces by adjusting the tip-sample distances. The controllable capability of the tip-sample distance in influencing the morphological characteristics and feature sizes of nanostructures has been demonstrated, which can be simultaneously characterized by AFM and SEM. The minimum lateral feature size down to 16.65 nm, while the maximum depth is 16.99 nm. Numerical modeling using FEM reveals the simultaneous presence of physical fields, including optical, electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical near the tip. The essential nanostructuring mechanism involves depositing surface coupling energy onto materials, which induces local thermal energy and enables the removal of material. Different surface coupling energies can be induced by varying the tip-sample distance, which theoretically demonstrates the controllable processing of nanostructure morphology and feature size in experiments. This study highlights the potential application of regularly arranged carbon nanotubes faced by carbon nanotube device fabrication.

LIBS analysis of tritium in thin film-type samples

Evaluating the mole fraction of hydrogen isotopes in a solid is a difficult task. Few methods allow it to be achieved. LIBS is a laser method based on the electronic excitation of elements and the spontaneous emission of characteristic optical lines. On a sample containing hydrogen isotopes, α-type lines can allow the estimate of their total mole fraction. In addition, LIBS is a discriminating method because it can separate the contributions of isotopes. This paper reports the implementation of this method on thin film-type samples containing hydrogen and tritium.They consist of nanometric layers of palladium and titanium on a silicon substrate. Under irradiation of nanosecond laser pulses reaching a fluence of the order of 200 J cm−2, LIBS was performed in argon at atmospheric pressure. A detailed spectroscopic study is performed around the Tα line of wavelength 656.039 nm of the Balmer series (n=3→2) of tritium. An analysis based on the reconstruction of the spectrum under conditions of local thermodynamic equilibrium is carried out. This leads to the estimate of the tritium mole fraction.

Shock wave generation in water by nanosecond pulse laser irradiation with 1064 and 2940 nm wavelengths

Shock wave generation in water by nanosecond pulse laser irradiation with 1064 and 2940 nm wavelengths

Monitoring the Temperature of Silicon Nanoparticles in Liquid using Raman Scattering Excited by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Radiation

Monitoring the Temperature of Silicon Nanoparticles in Liquid using Raman Scattering Excited by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Radiation

Single Pulse Nanosecond Laser-Stimulated Targeted Delivery of Anti-Cancer Drugs from Hybrid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing 5nm Gold Nanoparticles.

Encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs like doxorubicin (DOX) inside lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can overcome their acute, systematic toxicity. However, a precise drug release at the tumor microenvironment for improving the maximum tolerated dose and reducing side effects has yet to be well-established by implementing a safe stimuli-responsive strategy. This study proposes an integrated nanoscale perforation to trigger DOX release from hybrid plasmonic multilamellar LNPs composed of 5nm gold (Au) NPs clustered at the internal lamellae interfaces. To promote site-specific DOX release, a single pulse irradiation strategy is developed by taking advantage of the resonant interaction between nanosecond pulsed laser radiation (527nm) and the plasmon mode of the hybrid nanocarriers. This approach enlarges the amount of DOX in the target cells up to 11-fold compared to conventional DOX-loaded LNPs, leading to significant cancer cell death. The simulation of the pulsed laser interactions of the hybrid nanocarriers suggests a release mechanism mediated by either explosive vaporization of thin water layers adjacent to AuNP clusters or thermo-mechanical decomposition of overheated lipid layers. This simulation indicates an intact DOX integrity following irradiation since the temperature distribution is highly localized around AuNP clusters and highlights a controlled light-triggered drug delivery system.

Antibacterial effect of periodic structure formed on SUS430 by using nanosecond pulsed laser

We investigated the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) formed on an SUS430 surface by irradiation with a nanosecond pulsed laser (Nd:YAG, wavelength of 532 nm, pulse width of 10 ns, number of pulses of 50, repetition rate of 10 Hz, and laser fluence of 1.2 J/cm2) and the antibacterial effect of the surface. LIPSSs with an interspacing of about 500 nm, which was close to the laser wavelength, were produced on the surface when the pulsed laser was near the ablation threshold. The film attachment method (JIS Z 2801) was used to measure the bacterial growth suppression on SUS430 surfaces with and without LIPSSs. On the surface without an LIPSS, the number of colonies was 1244, and on that with an LIPSS, the number was 198, indicating that the LIPSS formed by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation inhibited the growth of bacteria. The chrome oxide layer on the SUS430 surface with the LIPSS may emit chrome ions from the edge of the LIPSS, enhancing the antibacterial effect.

Surface hardness and scratch characteristics of nanosecond laser colored Ti-based metallic glass

Pulsed laser irradiation is widely used for coloring metallic glass (MG) surfaces due to its efficient and clean processing characteristics. However, the hardness and tribological properties of laser colored MG surfaces have rarely been studied. In this study, various colors were prepared on Ti-based MGs by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation, and the mechanical properties of the colored surfaces were subsequently investigated. Before hardness testing, the colored surfaces were slightly polished and characterized for surface morphology and phase composition. The hardness of the colored surfaces was measured by a nanoindentation instrument, and the corresponding load depth curves and residual indentations were obtained. The results showed a 39% increase in hardness compared to the as-cast surface. Scratch tests were performed to investigate the tribological properties of the colored surfaces. The residual scratches and three dimensional (3D) topographies exhibited diverse features, and the scratch damage mechanism was analyzed accordingly. This study broadened the knowledge of surface hardness and tribological properties, and illustrated the application potentials of laser colored MGs.

Fabrication and functional characteristics of micro/nano structures on the RB-SiC surface through nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation

Reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) is gaining increasing attention due to its exceptional mechanical properties contributed by the dispersion of hard silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si), which has been extensively applied in aerospace and automobile industries. Fabrication of micro/nano structures on the RB-SiC surface can endow it some specific functional properties, but conventional manufacturing procedures face challenges due to the intrinsic hard-brittle nature of RB-SiC. In the present study, various micro/nano structures, including dome-like particle structures, micro-cone structures and the spider web-like film, are fabricated on the RB-SiC surface by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation under different experimental conditions. Comparative experiments are performed to explore the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the microscopic morphology and chemical composition. Consequently, the ablation mechanism is clarified. The formation of micro-cone structures covered by the spider web-like film can result in a wettability transition of the RB-SiC surface from hydrophilicity to superhydrophilicity. In addition, by introducing the spider web-like film, the reflectivity of the RB-SiC surface is increased by an impressive 83% or more in the wavelength range of 200 to 2500 nm. This study provides a method for improving the surface properties of RB-SiC substrates using a laser-based approach, which is anticipated to expand their application prospects as functional materials.

Grain visualization of FeCoCrMnNi and AlCoCrFeNi2.1 high-entropy alloys by nanosecond pulse laser irradiation

Characterizing grains is the most common method in materials science research, but the existing techniques for grain characterization are generally expensive and time-consuming. In this study, nanosecond pulse laser irradiation with low laser fluence is attempted to visualize the grains of two typical high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with different crystal structures and elemental compositions. The effects of laser parameters and gas atmospheres on the laser visualization of grains are comparatively investigated. Under specific laser irradiation conditions, the grains of these two HEAs could be well visualized by producing different surface nanostructures. By experiments and analysis, the underlying mechanisms of laser visualization of grains under different conditions are elucidated, and the role of O element on the promotion of the visualization of grain boundaries is confirmed. This study provides a simple and efficient method to visualize the grains of HEAs, and on the other hand, enhances the understanding of nanosecond laser-HEA interaction.

Elimination of surface/subsurface defects on additively manufactured AlSi10Mg mirrors through nano-second laser irradiation.

Metal mirrors have attracted increasing attention for satisfying the growing demands for high-performance optics in airborne and spaceborne remote sensing systems. Additive manufacturing has enabled the development of metal mirrors with reduced weight and improved strength. AlSi10Mg is the most widely used metal for additive manufacturing. Diamond cutting is an effective method for obtaining nanometer-scale surface roughness. However, the surface/subsurface defects of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg deteriorate the surface roughness. Conventionally, AlSi10Mg mirrors used in near-infrared and visible systems are plated with NiP layers to improve the surface polishing performance; however, this leads to the bimetallic bending because of the different coefficients of thermal expansion between the NiP layers and AlSi10Mg blanks. In this study, a method of nanosecond-pulsed laser irradiation is proposed to eliminate the surface/subsurface defects of AlSi10Mg. The microscopic pores, unmolten particles and two-phase microstructure of the mirror surface were eliminated. The mirror surface exhibited better polishing performance, and it could be smoothly polished to a nanometer-scale surface roughness. The mirror exhibits strong temperature stability owing to the elimination of the bimetallic bending caused by the NiP layers. It is expected that the mirror surface fabricated in this study can satisfy the requirements for near-infrared or even visible applications.

Space weathering effects and potential spectral alteration on Phobos and the Moon: Clues from the Fe content of olivine

Context. Olivine responds to space weathering in the fastest and most profound way, which results in significant space weathering spectral alteration effects (SWSAEs) on airless silicate bodies. Although Mg-rich olivine (Fa10) has been subjected to extensive studies, SWSAEs of Fe-rich (Fa# > 20) or Fa-dominant (Fa# ⩾ 50) olivine are still poorly understood. Aims. We aim to systematically characterize the space weathering effects and the associated spectral alterations of Fe-rich olivine on the surface of Phobos and the Moon. Methods. We conducted nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation experiments on a set of synthetic Fe-rich olivine (Fa29, Fa50, Fa71, and Fa100) with energy levels simulated for Phobos and the Moon and analyzed the irradiated olivine for microscopic characteristics and near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Results. Micron-level thick alteration layers are found in Fa100 compared to those hundreds of nanometers thick in Fa29, Fa50, and Fa71. With increasing irradiation energy levels and Fa# values, nanophase iron (np-Fe0) particles increase in size but decrease in quantity. The np-Fe0 formed via in situ decomposition are ubiquitously present, while those formed via vapor deposition are primarily found in Fa29 but rarely in Fa# ⩾ 50. The size fraction of intermediate (10–40 nm) and large (40–60 nm) np-Fe0 proportionally increases with Fa# values. The NIR spectra of weathered olivine show darkening over reddening in most cases, but Fa100 under the most irradiated condition shows brightening-reddening spectral effects. The Raman spectra of weathered olivine show a reduction in intensity without peak shifts. Conclusions. The Fa# values of olivine are a more critical factor in controlling the SWSAEs on Phobos than those on the Moon. If Phobos and Deimos contain substantial Fe-rich or Fa-dominant olivine, similar to Mars, thick alteration rims and large np-Fe0 formed via space weathering may cause darkening-reddening and potentially brightening-reddening spectral effects on the Martian moons.

On the Melting Thresholds of Semiconductors under Nanosecond Pulse Laser Irradiation

In this work, a unified numerical model is used to determine the melting thresholds and to investigate the early stages of melting of several crystalline semiconductors (Si, Ge, GaAs, CdTe and InP) irradiated by nanosecond laser pulses. A molten fraction approach is used for continuous transition over the melting point. The results are compared with previously published theoretical and experimental data. A survey on the thermophysical and optical properties of the selected materials has been carried out to gather the most relevant data on temperature dependent properties for the solid and liquid states of these semiconductors where such data are available. A generalization of the obtained results is established that enables evaluation of the melting thresholds for different semiconductors based on their properties and irradiation conditions (laser wavelength, pulse duration).

Nanosecond laser irradiation of Yttria stabilized Zirconia: Pulsed laser ablation and surface treatment

Nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation resulting in material ablation and surface micro structuring of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) targets, has been investigated. Our study aims to evaluate suitable ablation conditions enabling either, creation of desired YSZ surfaces having micro porosity for directed use, or generation of YSZ vapors for deposition of homogenous, dense and particle free YSZ films via conventional Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique. The work being reported here involves a thermal model based theoretical simulation describing heat transport, melting and vaporization of a laser irradiated YSZ target. Our simulation has been validated against our experimental data on nanosecond laser ablation from a sample target of ceramic YSZ. Surface porosity generated on laser irradiated YSZ targets for low laser fluence levels ∼ 1 ​J/cm2 has been explained in terms of pore formation via entrapment of gas bubbles in the solidifying interface on laser melting and re-solidification thereafter, of the YSZ target. To understand surface crater formation on laser irradiated YSZ targets at high laser fluence levels ∼10 ​J/cm2 maximum temperature reached by the laser irradiated YSZ target has been compared with the thermodynamic critical temperature of YSZ. Our study confirms that judicious choice of laser fluence enables either, creation of surfaces having micro porosity of desired nature on YSZ target, or controlled generation of YSZ vapors for deposition of good quality YSZ films and coatings using laser deposition technique.

Significant improvement in surface hardness of Zr-based metallic glass by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation in graphite powder water suspension

Metallic glasses (MGs) have shown promising application prospects as structural materials due to their unique mechanical properties. While, for broadening their application as functional materials, significant improvement in surface hardness of MGs is required. Accordingly, in this study, laser carbonization of MGs was attempted by irradiating the Zr-based MG surface immersed in graphite powder water suspension using a nanosecond pulsed laser. Nanoindentation response and surface morphologies of the initial and irradiated surfaces were characterized in detail. The results indicated that the hardness of the laser-irradiated surfaces was increased by 130 %–200 % (from 6.407 GPa to 19.193 GPa), and as well, the serrated flows in load-depth curves and the surface shear bands around the residual indent disappeared, suggesting the change in micro-scale plastic deformation behaviors of the laser-irradiated surfaces. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the initial and irradiated surfaces was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), which showed that the irradiated surfaces were carbonized in the graphite powder water suspension. Accordingly, the increase in surface hardness was due to the formation of the hard crystalline phases.

Repairing surface defects of Zr-based metallic glass ribbons by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation

The metallic glass ribbons (MGRs) industrially produced by the single roller melt-spun method have many surface defects such as pits and scratches. In this study, it was attempted to repair the surface defects of Zr-based MGRs via nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The experimental results showed that the roughness of laser-repaired surfaces was significantly reduced compared to the melt-spun surface, and the surface topographies and morphologies were sensitive to the laser parameters. With optimal laser parameters, the smooth and defect-free surface could be achieved. This work offers a convenient and high-efficiency approach for repairing the surface defects of MGRs.

Study of Generation of Singlet Oxygen in Human Saliva <i>in vitro</i> Under the Action of Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Radiation

Background. The development of new laser devices for use in the treatment of complex dental pathology and microsurgery of the oral cavity with unique parameters with the ability to generate nanosecond pulsed radiation in a quasi-monochromatic radiation band is necessary. The high peak output power per pulse allows laser light to penetrate deeper into biological media without significant heating. The possibility of excitation of singlet oxygen without the use of endogenous photosensitizers is an indisputable advantage of such laser generators.
 Aims study of singlet oxygen generation in human oral fluid in vitro depending on the parameters of nanosecond pulsed laser radiation with a wavelength of ~1265 nm.
 Methods. We used a laser device with a main infrared (IR) emitter with a wavelength approximately corresponding to the oxygen absorption maximum (~1265 nm) with the generation of nanosecond pulsed radiation. A study was carried out to study the generation of singlet oxygen in the human oral fluid and the washing out of the oral fluid by the fading of the trap in solutions under the action of laser radiation before irradiation, after 30 and 60 min. The laser radiation parameters were set as follows: power 1 W, nanosecond pulsed radiation with a pulse duration of 400 ns and a frequency of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 MHz in comparison with the continuous radiation mode.
 Results. It has been established that nanosecond laser radiation leads to the oxidation of a chemical singlet oxygen trap solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.05 M SDS) detergent in the oral fluid and saliva flushing from the oral cavity. In pulsed nanosecond modes, laser radiation is more efficient than in continuous mode. With an increase in the repetition frequency, an increase in the effect by an average of 10% compared to a lower frequency was observed and the effect with a maximum frequency of 2.0 MHz was almost 50% higher than when using continuous radiation in all studies. A decrease in optical density at 414 nm was reliably observed in samples with oral fluid washing, the effect was 0.07 0.01 for 60 min of exposure. In the oral fluid, the effect with the same parameters was slightly lower and amounted to 0.05 0.03.
 Conclusions. The rate of fading of the trap in the saliva wash turned out to be 1.3 times faster than in water with detergent, which may indicate the activation of photoacceptors and their oversaturation with oxygen when using aqueous dilution of the oral fluid. The maximum effect was observed when using laser radiation with a pulse repetition rate of 2.0 MHz.