The Effect of Infrared Laser Irradiation on the Surface Morphology and Electrical Properties of Zinc Metal

Abstract

This study details the irradiation of pure (99.995%) and immaculate metallic Zinc using Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 mJ, 9–14 ns). The influence and impact of multiple laser shots on the formation of microstructures and crystal structure orientations is assessed. Arrays of ablated craters are machined on the whole surface of the target to probe the electrical and topographical characteristics of laser-treated surfaces. Irradiated samples are examined by multiple characterizing techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a four-point probe for electrical conductivity measurements. SEM and AFM analysis exhibited the formation of laser-induced ripple structures with periodicity sheerly dependent on laser shots. A comparison of surface topography of the virgin and treated samples disclosed a pronounced modification in surface texture. The XRD patterns of laser shined targets indicate no momentous structural change in the crystal structure, whereas the measurements on the electrical conductivity of the irradiated surfaces exhibit an exponential descending trend with an augmentation in laser shots.