Dynamic of Nanopowder Production During Laser Target Evaporation

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research focusing on the processes occurring when powerful laser radiation interacts with refractory oxide targets. To visualize formation of the nanoparticle cloud and large fragments, the authors used laser illumination and laser monitor methods. Image analysis allowed studying the dynamic of cloud formation from nanoparticles and determining the nature of its interaction with surrounding air. It was established that it is possible to mostly avoid the formation and ejection of a multitude of drops from the crater, if the target is evaporated by fiber laser radiation pulses with duration of no more than 200 μs. With pulse duration of 120 μs, peak power of 600 W and radiation power density of 0.4 MW/cm², mass nanoparticle output was 30 mass%, which is 1.4 more than when the target is affected by continuous radiation of the same power.