Direct Impulse Measurements of Ablation Processes from Laser-Surface Interactions

Abstract

Abstract : A torsional impulse balance has been developed as a new diagnostic tool to study fundamental processes in laser-surface interactions. Of particular interest are the forces due to processes of laser ablation. With respect to the transfer of momentum, direct measurements of the transient forces can lead to a better understanding and characterization of the efficiency of the impulse that is possible under different configurations. The impulse balance has been designed and tested with a robust calibration system to measure impulsive forces with resolution as low as several nano-Newton-seconds. Initial results of impulses due to ablation from an Nd:YAG laser (532nm) on various metals and other materials are presented.