Impact of Laser Fluence in Modifying the Surface Characteristics of Laser-Treated Monocrystalline Zinc.

Zinc single crystal specimens were irradiated with pulsed Nd:YAG laser in vacuum. Keeping the number of laser shots constant (10 shots), laser energy was varied from 50 to 150 mJ, whereas the corresponding laser fluence was 97 to 292 J cm⁻², respectively. Using optical microscope, the dimensions (area and perimeter) of laser ablated region on the surface of each specimen were measured. Both parameters increased, in general, on increasing laser pulse energy. Examination of surface morphology by scanning electron microscope revealed formation of pores, grooves, cracks, bubbles, micron-size rods, ripples, ridges, cavities, microcones, and solid flakes, etc. Surface roughness had no systematic dependence on the laser pulse energy. Structural parameters, i.e., texture coefficient, lattice strain, and crystallite size, were determined by means of Harris analysis as well as Williamson–Hall analysis of the XRD patterns of specimens. The variation of lattice strain and crystallite size with laser fluence or laser pulse energy was alike. Surface hardness decreased on increasing laser fluence, and followed classical Hall–Petch relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]