7. Laserski Inzeniring Povrsin

Introduction to Laser Surface Engineering

  • University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

  • Presented by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Gregorčič

Content of Lecture

  1. Introduction to Laser Surface Engineering

    • What is Laser Surface Engineering and why use it?

  2. Theoretical Foundations of Laser Microstructuring

    • Modeling with Gaussian Beam

    • Importance of Fluence in Laser Ablation

    • Basic Concepts of Laser Texturing

    • Microstructuring at Low Fluences (LIPSS)

    • Microstructuring at High Fluences with Application Example

  3. Effect of Light-Matter Interaction on Surface Wettability

    • Impact of Surface Topography and Chemistry

    • Techniques for Evaluating Surface Changes

    • Processing in Various Gas Atmospheres

    • Development of Superhydrophobicity

    • Impact on Corrosion Properties of Surfaces

  4. Laser Coloring and Oxidation of Surfaces

    • Colors on LIPSS Structures

    • Formation of Oxide Layers

    • Importance of Different Texturing Strategies

  5. Application of Laser Texturing for Engineering Tribological Surfaces

Examples of Surfaces in Nature

  • Inspiration from nature including the lotus leaf and the self-cleaning phenomena.

  • Surface characteristics:

    • Micro: 10-50 µm

    • Nano: 200 nm - 2 µm

  • Various natural surfaces that show exceptional wettability and anti-reflective properties, such as the Namib Desert beetle which collects water from moisture and the skin of sharks with low friction.

Laser Light - Surface Interaction

  1. Laser Ablation

    • Changes the surface morphology and chemistry, leading to oxidation characteristics in stainless steel.

    • Laser ablation can serve as a propulsion mechanism.

  2. Functionalization of Surfaces

    • Integration of interdisciplinary approaches including laser physics, optics, and tribology.

Conclusion of Laser Surface Engineering

  • An interdisciplinary field focused on how light-matter interactions can modify surface chemistry and topography, influencing new functionalities.

  • Potential for significant technological breakthroughs across various domains.

Summary of Laser Surface Engineering Techniques

  • Introduction of concepts like LIPSS (Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures) and their applications in enhancing surface properties.

Laser Texturing Concepts

  1. Basic Concepts of Laser Texturing

    • Laser systems comprising laser sources, optical elements, and controls.

    • The influence of various parameters such as beam quality and fluence on texturing outcomes.

2D Strategies of Texture Creation**

  • Importance of multiple scanning passes and energy distribution to achieve desired surface characteristics, illustrated with results from various studies.

3.7 Development of Superhydrophobicity

  • The strategic application of laser treatments leads to extreme surface properties including superhydrophobicity, characterized by contact angle measurements.