Simulation study and experiment on laser-ablation surface cleaning

A study of the ablation effects of an ultra-short pulsed Nd:YAG laser was c arried out. Using a 21 mum Zn-coated carbon steel plate as the target, the relationship between ablation rate and laser fluence was investigated throu gh computer simulation and experiment, and the optimal processing condition s were determined. The tendency of the scanning operation curve was confirm ed and the data obtained were taken as a guide for the practical utilizatio n of this technique. Finally, a decontamination factor was introduced and s atisfactory cleaning was obtained. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.