Time-Resolved, Laser-Induced Phase Transformation in Aluminum

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe technique of picosecond electron diffraction is used to time resolve the laser-induced melting of thin aluminum films. It is observed that under rapid heating conditions, the long range order of the lattice subsists for lattice temperatures well above the equilibrium point, indicative of superheating. This superheating can be verified by directly measuring the lattice temperature. The collapse time of the long range order is measured and found to vary from 20 ps to several nanoseconds according to the degree of superheating. Two interpretations of the delayed melting are offered, based on the conventional nucleation and point defect theories. While the nucleation theory provides an initial nucleus size and concentration for melting to occur, the point defect theory offers a possible explanation for how the nuclei are originally formed.