LASER-INDUCED OXIDATION OF METALS - STATE-OF-THE-ART

The general features of laser-induced metal oxidation and laser-assist ed oxide deposition are discussed. The mechanisms of isothermal and la ser-induced oxidation processes are compared. The peculiarities of the laser-assisted processes, e.g. non-linearities and non-equilibriums f eedback effects, are emphasized. Instabilities connected with the appe arance of positive feedback between the laser and thermal parameters, as well as the optical properties of the system, are considered. Absor ptivity changes and variations of the metal oxidation constant, such a s due to changes in temperature and wavelength, are presented by using vanadium as an example. Experimental data of laser-assisted metal oxi dation of different metals are presented in tabulated form. Some morph ological irregularities as a result of laser irradiation are shown. Tr ends of theoretical and experimental investigations are indicated. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.