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Published on: June 7, 2018
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Photo-Activated Growth and Metastable Phase Transition in Metallic Solid Solutions
Andrew Martin1,2, Alana M Pauls1,2, Boyce Chang2
1North Carolina State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|December 3, 2023
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel laser processing technique for metals, utilizing metastable states to achieve unique material properties. The method enables precise control over composition and structure, creating stable, energy-rich materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Laser Processing
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Metals typically undergo phase transformation via heating in laser processing, limited by low absorptivity.
- Metastable states offer unique energetic and structural properties for material manipulation.
- Exploiting these states allows for energy landscape tuning via selective stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel laser processing method using metastable states in metals.
- To stabilize an undercooled metallic state using thin passivating oxides.
- To induce controlled phase transitions and create metastable solids with asymmetric composition.
Main Methods:
- Stabilization of undercooled metallic states using thin passivating oxides.
- Photo-perturbation of near-surface order to induce Marangoni flows.
- Controlled edge-coalescence and phase transition into metastable solids.
Main Results:
- Successful stabilization of an undercooled metallic state.
- Induction of convective Marangoni flows and edge-coalescence.
- Formation of metastable solids with asymmetric near-surface and core composition.
- Demonstration of a self-terminating process creating contained systems with high relaxation energy barriers.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser processing technique enables the creation of deep metastable states in metals.
- This method offers precise control over material composition and structure.
- The self-terminating process ensures system stability for extended periods.
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