X-ray analysis of mechanical and thermal effects induced by femtosecond laser treatment of aluminum single crystals

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 252; no. 13; pp. 4691 - 4695
• Main Authors: Valette, S., Le Harzic, R., Audouard, E., Huot, N., Fillit, R., Fortunier, R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 30.04.2006; Elsevier Science; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Electron and ion emission by liquids and solids; impact phenomena; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Femtosecond laser; Impact phenomena (including electron spectra and sputtering); Laser-beam impact phenomena; Materials; Mechanical and acoustical properties; adhesion; Mechanical effects; Metals; Microstructure characterization; Physical properties of thin films, nonelectronic; Physics; Re-crystallization; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thermal effects; Thermal stability; thermal effects; X-ray analysis; 79.20Ds; Metals; Thermal effects; Femtosecond laser; 68.60Dv; Microstructure characterization; X-ray analysis; Re-crystallization; 81.40z; Mechanical effects; Physical radiation effects; Crystallization; Aluminium; Residual stresses; Crystallinity; Laser irradiation; Femtosecond laser; Metals; Thermal effects; Mechanical effects; X-ray analysis; Microstructure characterization; Re-crystallization; Optical microscopy; Monocrystals; Mechanical stress; Temperature effects; 68.60Dv; 79.20Ds; 81.40z; Microstructure; Pole figures; Crystal structure
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.07.160

Surface marking of aluminum single crystal is performed with femtosecond laser pulses. X-ray analysis allows to measure thermal and mechanical effects induced by the femtosecond laser pulses. These effects are estimated by comparing the pole figures (crystallinity) and the broadening of the diffraction peaks (mechanical contribution) before and after the laser irradiation. The results show that the femtosecond laser treatment ensures a re-crystallization of the structure and the presence of mechanical residual stresses. The analysis of the pole figures provides the sign of a re-crystallization on smaller volumes compared to initial ones. After the laser irradiation, the crystallization is perfectly oriented like the (1 1 0) orientation of the massive sample. Moreover, following the laser treatment, we show that the crystallographic structure is purer than the initial one. We also prove that the laser effect is persistent on a typical scale of 10 μm beyond the surface.