Rapid surface microstructuring of porous alumina ceramic using continuous wave Nd:YAG laser

Laser surface microstructuring of porous alumina ceramic is investigated using a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser. The surface microstructure development is based on the rapid surface melting and subsequent solidification resulting in the evolution of crystallographic and morphological textures. The results indicated that surface microstructure is greatly influenced by the laser processing parameters. Detailed investigations of the influence of laser fluence on the thermal history and microstructural parameters are presented. Such investigations are intended to facilitate the tailoring of surface microstructures by controlling the laser processing parameters.