Optical diagnostics for particle-cleaning process utilizing laser-induced shockwave

The dynamics of laser-induced plasma/shockwave and the interaction with a surface in the laser shock cleaning process are analyzed by optical diagnostics. Shockwaves are generated by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in air or with N₂, Ar, and He injection into the focal spot. The shock velocity is measured by monitoring the photoacoustic probe–beam deflection signal under different conditions. In addition, nanosecond time-resolved images of shockwave propagation and interaction with the substrate are obtained by the laser-flash shadowgraphy. The results reveal the effect of various operation parameters of the laser shock cleaning process on shockwave intensity, energy-conversion efficiency, and flow characteristics. Discussions are made on the cleaning mechanisms based on the experimental observations. PACS 81.65.Cf; 42.62.-b; 47.40.Nm