High-throughput laser peening of metals using a high-average-power Nd:glass laser system

摘要

Laser shot peening, a surface treatment for metals, is known to induce residual compressive stresses to depths of over 1mm providing improved component resistance to various forms of failure. Recent information also suggests that thermal relaxation of the laser induced stress is significantly less than that experienced by other forms of surface stressing that involve significantly higher levels of cold work. We have developed a unique solid state laser technology employing Nd:glass amplifier slabs and SBS phase conjugation that enables this process to move into high throughput production processing.