Dynamics of nanosecond-laser-induced melting of tin in vacuum, air, and water

摘要: Tin with its low melting point and vapor pressure is a good model material to investigate laser ablation mechanisms under various ambient conditions. Here we measured the nanosecond-laser-induced damage thresholds of tin in vacuum, air, water. The threshold fluence found be ~ 0.1 J/cm2 regardless environment unlike more refractory metals when values water are considerably higher than those air. Analysis morphology chemical composition irradiated surface as well numerical simulations heating demonstrate that observed modification due but not oxidation. For case environment, conductive heat transfer play only minor role melting. show also formation layer near occurs at fluence, above 0.15 J/cm2, thus affected by scattering incident light vapor–liquid interface, typical for metals. Peculiarities low-melt materials liquids nanoparticle discussed.