On the Nature of Defects in Solid Structure under the Action of Laser Radiation with the Energy Not Destructing a Sample as a Whole

Abstract

Nature of the defects in solid samples generated under the surface irradiation by a pulse of a CO₂-laser is investigated by the method of acousti©emission analysis. The laser pulse energy of 1.5 J was insufficient for destroying the sample. The samples were rods made from crystal (aluminum, copper) or amorphous (glass) materials. Acoustic emission signals from a rod face were studied which arise under the action of the laser radiation focused onto the opposite face of the rod. Analysis of data obtained shows that local structural changes arise in all the samples investigated. Defects in the form of microscopic cracks have been generated, and in the case of glass (the most fragile material), the cracks existing prior to irradiation have been developed.