A versatile setup for nanosecond laser polishing processes with in situ analysis capabilities

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Laser Processing

Background:

• Laser polishing is a complex surface treatment influenced by numerous parameters.
• Optimizing laser polishing requires systematic variation of laser, processing, and material properties.
• Existing setups may lack the flexibility for comprehensive parameter studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a novel, highly stable laser polishing setup.
• To enable systematic investigation of laser polishing processes.
• To facilitate in situ monitoring and control for optimized surface finishing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a stable nanosecond laser with adjustable wavelength.
• Integrated a high-vacuum chamber with controlled gas introduction.
• Employed remote control for sample positioning and in situ inspection (microscopy, electrical, optical, vacuum analysis).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the setup's capability for precise laser polishing.
• Presented exemplary results on niobium and molybdenum samples.
• Validated the effectiveness of the systematic approach for parameter optimization.

Conclusions:

• The developed setup provides a robust platform for laser polishing research.
• Systematic parameter control is crucial for achieving high-quality polished surfaces.
• The setup facilitates efficient optimization of laser polishing for various materials.