Pulsed TEA CO2 Laser Irradiation of Titanium in Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Gases

Abstract

Surface changes created by interaction of transversely excited atmospheric carbon dioxide (TEA CO₂) laser with titanium target/implant in nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas were studied. TEA CO₂ laser operated at 10.6 μm, pulse length of 100 ns and fluence of ∼17 J/cm² which was sufficient for inducing surface modifications. Induced changes depend on the gas used. In both gases the grain structure was produced (central irradiated zone) but its forms were diverse, (N₂: irregular shape; CO₂: hill-like forms). Hydrodynamic features at peripheral zone, like resolidified droplets, were recorded only in CO₂ gas. Elemental analysis of the titanium target surface indicated that under a nitrogen atmosphere surface nitridation occurred. In addition, irradiation in both gases was followed by appearance of plasma in front of the target. The existence of plasma indicates relatively high temperatures created above the target surface offering a sterilizing effect.