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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
We have analyzed the non-equilibrium thermal effects of pulsed nanosecond lasers on carbon-implanted copper substrates. The thermal effects of pulsed nanosecond lasers were simulated by numerically solving the heat flow equation and taking into account the phase changes which occur at the surface of the irradiated solid. Intense pulsed laser irradiation induces rapid heating at the near surface resulting in melting, followed by rapid quenching of the melt phase. The effect of laser variables (energy density, etc.) on the maximum melt depth, melt-in and solidification velocities and transient temperature profiles have been computed. Maximum melt depths and the surface temperatures were found to increase approximately in a linear manner with pulse energy density. Extremely high average solidification velocities (20–45 m/sec) were calculated which may give rise to solute trapping and other non-equilibrium segregation effects. The change in laser-irradiated characteristics of copper substrates as a result of carbon-ion implantation is also discussed.