Two-Way Shape Memory Effect in Rapidly Quenched Highly Doped Alloys of TiNi–TiCu System upon Laser Treatment

Abstract

Using an original approach, a pronounced two-way shape memory effect is created for the first time in rapidly quenched alloys of the quasibinary TiNi–TiCu system with copper contents of up to 38 at %. The technique includes the combined effect of the dynamic crystallization of the amorphous state by application of a single pulse of electric current of 10 ms duration and pulsed laser radiation (λ = 248 nm, τ = 20 ns). The obtained composite structure materials can be used to create different micromechanical devices, especially microswitches and microtweezers for gripping micro-objects.