Pulse-periodic Laser Research Articles

Time-resolved imaging of GHz acoustic vibrations at arbitrary frequencies using asynchronous periodic probe laser pulses

We present a technique for imaging gigahertz surface acoustic waves in the time domain at arbitrary frequencies, in which acoustic waves are excited asynchronously to the optical probe pulse train used to detect them. We apply this approach to the two-dimensional imaging of electrically excited single-frequency surface acoustic waves on a GaAs substrate with a deposited interdigital transducer. This technique significantly increases the possible fields of application for gigahertz acoustic wave device imaging.

Fluorescence amplification in laser-pumped random media: Fundamental limitations

Experimental data on the narrowing of fluorescence spectra of laser-pumped random media are interpreted within the framework of a probabilistic model of incoherent amplification of the stimulated component of fluorescence. R6G- and DCM-doped layers of dense-packed anatase and anatase-rutile particles and suspensions of DCM crystallites were examined under pulse-periodic laser pumping with various pump intensities at the wavelength of 532 nm. It was shown that, in the case of quasi-stationary fluorescence response at high pump intensities, amplification of stochastically propagating partial components of fluorescence field at various wavelengths is governed by the pump-independent factor of fluorescence amplification and the average number of stimulated emission acts in the pumped system. Analysis of the experimental data has shown that, despite certain simplifying assumptions, the considered model reasonably describes evolution of the fluorescence spectra of random fluorescent media with the increase in the pump intensity. A procedure of recovery of the fluorescence amplification factor from the sets of fluorescence spectra obtained at various pump intensities is considered. Features of the spectral shapes of the recovered amplification factors caused by the influence of the scattering matrices in pumped media are discussed.

Research on aerosol particles formed by laser interaction with various metals

Laser technologies are widely used in modern industry for cutting, welding, surface cleaning, drilling, and more, including in the nuclear industry for processing radioactively contaminated structures. These processes often lead to the formation of aerosol particles, including toxic nanoparticles, primarily oxides, which can penetrate cellular membranes and accumulate in the body. Understanding these particle formation processes is crucial for improving gas purification systems and personal protective equipment. This study utilized a ytterbium fiber pulsed-periodic laser (1.064 µm wavelength, 20 W power, 40 kHz pulse repetition rate, 200 ns pulse duration) to process various metals: aluminum (Al), bismuth (Bi), E110 alloy (Zr-based), carbon steel (St3), and stainless steel (08X18H10T). Aerosols were analyzed using a silicon monocrystalline substrate placed near the laser impact site, cleaned thoroughly to remove any contaminants. A 3D-printed model held the substrate at a 15-degree angle in the laser processing zone. Experiments were conducted in a closed box with local exhaust, positioning the substrate to capture the finest aerosol particles. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on a JEOL JSM-6480LV microscope. Results showed that aerosols formed consist of submicron agglomerates of particles smaller than 100 nm, with uneven deposition indicating air-borne agglomeration. Repeated scanning formed branched structures of interconnected nanoparticle agglomerates. In conclusion, laser processing with a 1.064 µm ytterbium fiber laser produces submicron aerosols of nanoparticles, presumably oxides. The deposition pattern suggests air-borne agglomeration, independent of the target material. These findings underscore the need for enhanced air purification and protective equipment to mitigate nanoparticle accumulation risks in respiratory organs and on skin during laser equipment operation.

Heat accumulation and phase transition induction in a VO2 thin film by a femtosecond pulse-periodic radiation.

The kinetics of optical switching due to the insulator-metal phase transition in a VO2 thin film is studied experimentally at different laser pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) in the NIR range and compared with temperature kinetics obtained through the thermal conductance calculations. Two switching processes have been found with characteristic times <2 ms and <15 ms depending on the PRF; the former is explained by the accumulation of metallic domains remaining after a single-pulse phase transition, and the latter is referred to the heat accumulation in the film. Consequently, the dynamics of the microscopic domains is leading in the initiation of phase transition under pulse-periodic conditions compared to the macroscopic heat transfer. The reverse transition at the radiation turn-off depends on the PRF with a time coefficient of 17.5 µs/kHz and is determined by the metallic domains' decay in the film. The results are important for understanding the nature of the insulator-metal transition in thin films of VO2 as well as using them in all-optical switches of pulse-periodic laser radiation.

Creation of One- and Two-Dimensional Copper and Zinc Oxides Semiconductor Structures

The most effective methods for the synthesis of nanostructured copper and zinc oxides, which have unique properties and potential applications in a variety of fields including electronics, photonics, sensorics, and energy conversion, are analyzed. Special attention is paid to laser-based methods for synthesizing oxide nanostructures, with an emphasis on the importance of controlling power density distribution to influence the quality and properties of the nanomaterials. The great significance of wavefront shaping techniques for controlling laser-initiated processes is highlighted, which enable precise control over the phase and amplitude of light waves to achieve desired outcomes in optics and laser-assisted formation of one- and two-dimensional structures of oxide semiconductor materials. Diffractive computer optics is presented as a powerful tool for precise beam control. The significance of laser-induced thermochemical processes for creating and improving the properties of ZnO and CuO-based nanomaterials is discussed. The presented analysis shows that the synthesis of nanocomposites based on ZnO and CuO using pulse-periodic laser treatment, coupled with precise laser beam control using free-form diffractive optics, presents novel opportunities for applications in optoelectronics, sensor technology, electronics and portable energy sources manufacturing, and various other fields.

Formation of ZnO/CuO Heterostructures Based on Quasi-One-Dimensional Nanomaterials

Nanostructured metal oxides are of great interest both for advanced research and for a wide range of applications that contribute to the increasing demands of electronics, photonics, catalysis, sensorics, and other high-tech industries and are being actively researched and developed. One-dimensional nanocrystal arrays of copper and zinc oxides have become prominent in optoelectronic devices and energy conversion systems. However, although desirable improved properties have been demonstrated, the morphology of materials containing copper and zinc oxide nanowires is extremely sensitive to synthesis conditions and difficult to control. Studies focused on the morphology control of such quasi-one-dimensional materials are not numerous, so the consideration of this issue is still relevant. The characteristics of devices based on such oxide materials can be improved by taking advantage of nanoheterojunctions. A special feature is the possibility of forming a polycrystalline heterojunction in a system of semiconductors belonging to different crystalline syngonies. Currently, much attention is devoted to developing reliable methods of obtaining such nanomaterials, including those, based on processes exploiting novel physical effects. Possibilities of synthesis by pulse-periodic laser irradiation of arrays of quasi-one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures with varying micromorphology on metallic substrates, as well as the creation of ZnO/CuO heterostructures based on ZnO nanowires, were considered. The main distinguishing feature of this approach was the use of laser-induced vibrations to intensify diffusion processes in the solid phase of metallic materials as compared to the simple effects of laser beam heating. Expanding the area of application of the advanced method of creating oxide heterostructures requires a detailed and comprehensive study of new possibilities used to form structures with improved physical properties.

Doppler diagnostics of laser evaporation of biological tissues

The method for Doppler diagnostics of laser evaporation of biological tissues based on autodyne detection (reception on the laser resonator) of backscattered radiation has been developed. In this method, a laser is simultaneously used both as a source of the destructive action of radiation on biotissues and as a sensor of the backscattered diagnostic signal. This review study discusses the possibilities of Doppler diagnostics in relation to the problems of investigating the processes of laser evaporation of biological tissues in real time and laser surgery. This approach can be used to create an optical-information feedback channel in automated and robotic surgical systems based on pulse-periodic pumped single-mode CO2 lasers. Laser surgical systems with such operational feedback can be used in the development of new approaches to precision low-traumatic and organ-save laser operations.

Saturated Emission States in Fluorescent Nanostructured Media: The Role of Competition between the Stimulated Emission and Radiation Losses in the Local Emitters of Fluorescence.

A fundamental limitation of the spectral response of laser-pumped fluorescent nanostructured media was considered in terms of a probabilistic model establishing the relationship between the enhancement factor of a spectral quality and characteristic propagation and amplification scales of pump light and fluorescence in the medium. It was shown that the minimum spectral width of fluorescent response of the pumped medium is limited by competition between the stimulated emission and radiation losses in microscopic fluorescence emitters associated with the speckles randomly modulating the pumping light field. Theoretical results were compared to the experimental data on the spectral properties of the fluorescent response of laser-pumped nanostructured “anatase nanoparticles—dye solutions” systems with various structural and optical properties. Rhodamine 6G and 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) were applied as fluorescent components in the examined systems with various scatter volume fractions, which were pumped by pulse-periodic laser radiation with various intensities at 532 nm. Comparison showed a fair agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.

Analytical 3D modeling of accumulative heating under multipulse laser irradiation of inorganic materials and biological tissues

• Analysis of accumulative 3D heating by laser pulses using Green's function method. • Accumulative heating under the pulse-periodic action of three types of heat sources. • Dynamics of residual temperature of titanium, monocrystalline silicon, dry bone. • Results useful for optimization of technological regimes of irradiation. In this paper, using analytical methods of the theory of thermal conductivity, the issue of accumulative 3D heating under multipulse laser irradiation of inorganic materials and biological tissues is studied. For a number of practically important cases, comparatively simple analytical dependences of the residual temperature on the number of laser pulses and their repetition rate have been obtained. The limits of their applicability are discussed. Examples of the application of the developed theory for specific cases of pulse-periodic laser irradiation of various materials, in particular, titanium, monocrystalline silicon, and bone tissue, are demonstrated.

Ultraviolet Nanosecond Laser Treatment to Reduce the Friction Coefficient of Silicon Carbide Ceramics

The determination of the possibility for the reduction of the friction coefficient of ceramic parts from silicon carbide by pulse-periodic treatment with an ultraviolet nanosecond laser was carried out in the framework of this research. The gas-dynamic seal of the compressor rotor of the gas-turbine engine after hot isostatic pressing and mechanical treatment was exposed to surface microstructuring in a pulse-periodic mode. For experimental investigations, a laser with a maximum energy of the pulse of 50 µJ, a wavelength of 355 nm, and a pulse duration below 10 ns was used. It was determined that the surface quality was improved, and the surface roughness was reduced as a consequence of the realized laser polishing modes in the beam exposure area. The average value of the friction coefficient of the ceramic material surface decreased by 15% as result of pulse-periodic laser processing.

The laser radiation parameters control method based on the digital video system registration

The paper describes a method of a beam radiation parameters analysis. Such analysis bases on the laser beam registration in the plane of a diffusely reflecting screen and digital processing of the registered image. The algorithm of the laser beam spatial parameters determination is presented and realized programmatically. The experiment was carried out using a digital high-speed video system and a solid-state pulsed periodic laser based on a Cr3+: BeAl2O4 alexandrite crystal. A comparison of the proposed method with a standardized method based on the registration of radiation by a matrix photodetector is presented. The development of measure methods of the laser radiation parameters is necessary due to the appearance of new sources of laser radiation and their use in various applications.

The Place of Transscleral Technologies in Laser Treatment of Glaucoma: History, Stages of Development, Prospects

The presence of a balance between the production and outflow of intraocular fluid ensures stability of the level of intraocular pressure (IOP). To reduce IOP means to affect one of these variables. For many decades, transscleral technologies in the treatment of glaucoma were considered exclusively as traumatic cyclodestructive interventions that only affect the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). These methods have recently been considered as possible ways to influence uveoscleral outflow. This became possible due to the appearance of new lasers, the development of new modes of their operation, points of application in the projection of the pars plana of the ciliary body (for example, TRANS-scleral CFC in micro-pulse mode at λ = 810 µm and CFC using pulsed periodic laser radiation at λ = 1.56 µm). They have a gentler effect and, accordingly, cause fewer side effects and undesirable effects. This explains the increasing shift towards the use of transscleral technologies in the earlier stages of glaucoma, not only for end-stage painful glaucoma resistant to conventional treatment (so-called “last resort surgery”).

Modification of Aerosol Gold Nanoparticles by Nanosecond Pulsed-Periodic Laser Radiation.

This study investigates the processes of interaction of nanosecond pulsed-periodic laser radiation with the flow of aerosol agglomerates of gold nanoparticles synthesized in a spark discharge. Nanoparticles in a gas flow are spatially separated nano-objects whose interaction with each other and with the walls of an experimental cell was insignificant. Therefore, the energy absorbed by nanoparticles was used only for their own heating with further shape and size modification and on heat transfer to the surrounding gas. In the research, we used laser radiation with wavelengths of 527 and 1053 nm at pulse energies up to 900 µJ and pulse repetition rates up to 500 Hz. The dynamics of changes in the nanoparticles size during their sintering process depending on the laser pulses energy is characterized by an S-shaped shrinkage curve. Complete sintering of the initial agglomerates with their transformation into spherical nanoparticles is achieved by a series of impacting laser pulses. The result of nanoparticles’ laser modification is largely determined by the pulse energy and the efficiency of the nanoparticles’ radiation absorption.

Laser Irradiation for Enhancing Mass Transfer in the Solid Phase of Metallic Materials

Possibilities of using laser irradiation to enhance mass transfer in the solid phase of metallic materials in order to form structures with improved physical and mechanical properties were reviewed. The features of the diffusion mass transfer in metals and alloys under shock exposure were specified. In this case, the rate of diffusion processes of mass transfer can be significantly increased. The conditions for intensification of mass transfer in metallic materials by pulse-periodic laser irradiation were determined and the synthesis of nanoporous and composite oxide nanomaterials was described. A significant increase of the diffusion coefficient in a metallic material, in comparison to plain exposure to laser beam heating, was identified. It could be attributed to the synergy of heat exposure and laser-induced vibrations, mainly in the range of sound frequencies, as a result of a pulse-periodic laser irradiation. The condition for intensifying mass transfer in the solid phase of selectively oxidable metallic materials was identified as a non-stationary stress-strain state caused by laser-induced sound waves. The exploitation of this synergy effect permitted the implementation of a novel approach for the creation of structures of nanomaterials. At the same time, a targeted influence on mass transfer and the accompanying relaxation processes make it possible to achieve an increase in the efficiency of methods for processing metals and alloys.

Laser ablation synthesis and characteristics of Tm-doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles

Synthesis of nano-sized particles of thulium-doped gadolinium sesquioxide is reported. The nanopowder was obtained by laser ablation of solid target composed of a mixture of Tm2O3 and Gd2O3 powders using radiation of pulse-periodical CO2 laser. Morphological features, structural characteristics of nanoparticles and their densification behavior were investigated. It was shown that the as-synthesized nanopowder consists of loosely agglomerated particles with spherical shape and a diameter from 10 to 40 nm. It was revealed that the obtained sample is in the form of solid solution of Tm2O3 in Gd2O3 with monoclinic crystalline phase exhibiting the following lattice parameters: a = 14.095 Å; b = 3.571 Å c = 8.758 Å β = 100.182 °. Using X-ray diffraction analysis it was determined that, as opposed to other rare-earth sesquioxides (for instance, Y2O3 and Lu2O3), the phase transformation of monoclinic modification into cubic modification was not observed under thermal treatment at a temperature up to 1200 °C. This was also confirmed by an absence of stepwise variation in density of Tm:Gd2O3 compact which was evident for Gd2O3 sample prepared from powder with cubic phase and micro-sized particles.

Optical and Electrophysical Properties of Thin Zinc Oxide Films Doped with Manganese Oxide and Obtained by Laser Deposition

Nanostructured thin films on a silicon substrate were obtained on a ceramic of zinc oxide doped with manganese oxide by high-frequency periodic pulsed laser action with f ~ 10–15 kHz, wavelength λ = 1.064 μm at power density q = 150 MW/cm2 in a vacuum chamber with p = 2.7 Pa. The surface morphology and the elemental composition of the obtained films were studied using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray spectral microanalysis. Features of the transmission spectra in the visible, near, and middle IR regions were determined. The electrophysical properties of the ZnO + 2% MnO2/Si heterostructure were analyzed.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of nonequilibrium steady states in quantum dots

The optically induced polarization of localized electron spins in an ensemble of quantum dots (QDs) dephases due to the interaction with the surrounding nuclear spins. Despite this dephasing, the spins in the QDs can be controlled to respond coherently by applying periodic laser pulses, leading to a revival of the spin polarization before each pulse. This effect, known as spin mode locking, strongly depends on an emerging selection of certain polarizations of the nuclear spin bath which is driven to a steady state far from equilibrium. We investigate the influence of the nuclear composition in In x GaAs QDs on this nonequilibrium behavior and demonstrate that nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR) appear as very sharp minima in the magnetic field dependence of the revival amplitude. This suggests a novel kind of NMR spectroscopy.

Structure and properties of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy obtained by selective laser melting

Cobalt-based heat-resistant alloys have unique properties that are used in corrosive environments and at high temperatures. The addition of chromium improves resistance to hot corrosion, while molybdenum improves corrosion resistance and strength. When machining a workpiece of a heat-resistant alloy, up to half of the material goes into chips and goes to processing. Modern trends in the development of additive technologies are aimed at saving material, introducing new materials and improving the physical and mechanical characteristics of the resulting products. Selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the additive methods for obtaining bulk metal products and is one of the most promising directions in the development of science and technology in recent years. This paper describes the porosity (the average value was 14 ± 5%), the structure and properties of alloy samples obtained by selective laser melting in the following modes: laser power - 100 W, scanning speed - 350 mm / s, thickness of the applied powder layer - 25 um, scanning step - 100 um, frequency of pulse-periodic laser action (modulations) - 2.5 kHz from a spherical powder of the CoCrMo alloy (66 wt% Co, 28 wt% Cr, 6 wt% Mo).

Изменение структуры жаростойкого алюминидо-никелевого покрытия под воздействием теплового лазерного импульса

The regularities of changes in the structure and phase composition of the thermal protective aluminide-nickel coating (Ni — 45 %; Al — 14 %; Co — 22 %; Cr — 18.9 %; Fe — 0.15 %; Nb — 0.14 %; Y — 0.09 %; Ca — 0.06 %; Mn — 0.01 %; C — 0.15 %; Si — 0.15 %; S — 0.006 %) after exposure to short-term pulsed heat fluxes of various power, created by the radiation of a pulse-periodic laser LRS-150A with a radiation wavelength λ = 1.06 µm and a pulse duration τ = 12·10–3 s. The radiation energy was E = 5, 10, and 15 J. Microstructural analysis and the elemental composition of the resulting coating were carried out as well as analysis of the phase composition. X-ray microanalysis of the coating was also carried out. In the initial state and after irradiation of the coating with a heat flux of power P = 7·103 W/cm2, light microregions are observed in the micrographs of the surface. These regions do not have clearly defined external boundaries and consist of the NiAl phase and a small amount of the Ni3Al phase with the presence of inclusions of particles containing a solid solution of Ni – Co – Cr. After irradiation of the coating with heat fluxes of higher power (P = 1.7·104 W/cm2 and P = 2.2·104 W/cm2), large convex formations appeared on its surface, consisting mainly of Ni3Al and NiAl phases. On micrographs of the surface, they appear as white areas with well-defined outer boundaries. The content of the Ni3Al phase in them in comparison with the initial state increased, and the content of the NiAl phase decreased, while the particles of inclusions of Ni, Co, and Cr disappeared. It can be assumed that an increase in the Ni3Al content is associated with the dissolution of particles of a solid solution of Ni – Co and Cr in the melt and the subsequent diffusion of nickel into the NiAl phase. When exposed to a heat flux of power P = 2.2·104 W/cm2, microcracks appear on the areas of the coating surface covered with aluminum oxide.

Technology of laser cleaning of steel structures

Cleaning metal surfaces from oxide films, corrosion products, scale and other contaminants to obtain the required quality is one of the basic technologies in many industries. There are traditional methods of cleaning, which in the process of their evolutionary development and improvement have approached the potential technological frontier and do not fully meet the ever-growing demands of the industry. An alternative method is laser cleaning. Goal. The aim is development of modes for laser cleaning of steel structures from rust and technological contamination, which can be used both in stationary and field conditions. Method. To clean the steel structures, we used an installation based on a pulse-periodic CO2 laser with a power of 130 W. To assess the quality of the surface layer, the microhardness method and roughness measurement were used. Results. Under the action of laser radiation on the oxidized surface, reactions of reduction of oxides and evaporation of paint and varnish contaminants occur. The influence of the radiation power and the number of passes during cleaning on the surface quality, which was evaluated by the degree of metallization and roughness, was investigated. Scientific novelty. It was determined that the position of the focal plane above the surface and on the surface is the optimal position of the laser radiation for cleaning. It was found that the microhardness of the surface layer of steel after normalization and after metallization of the surface in the process of laser cleaning is practically the same. It is shown that preliminary wetting of the surface during cleaning from rust using a CO2 laser is not advisable. Water vapor is especially strong in absorbing waves in the infrared range, and carbon dioxide is an intense absorber in the mid-infrared range. Practical significance. Recommendations have been developed for the use of a repetitively pulsed CO2 laser for cleaning the steel structures of bridges, power lines, towers of television and mobile transmitters from rust and technological contamination in field conditions.