Formation of nanocrystalline foamy coatings by laser irradiation of glass-ceramic substrates in the nanosecond regime: Substrate temperature and wavelength dependence

In this paper a study of the formation mechanisms of foamy coatings on the surface of glass-ceramic substrates produced by laser ablation is presented. Three laser systems emitting at 1064, 532 and 355 nm with pulse-widths in the nanosecond range were used. In the NIR range the formation of the coating is only possible when the temperature of the surface is higher than 300 °C. In this case, the generation is related to an increase of the layer in liquid phase produced in the interaction zone. However, when the sample is machined at 532 or 355 nm the local temperature and the pressure exerted over the interaction zone produce the generation of this coating, obtaining the layer at room temperature. Furthermore, in this case it is possible to reduce the energetic cost improving the efficiency of the process. logy, composition, microstructure and thermal properties of the layer are described.