Laser interference metallurgy-periodic surface patterning and formation of intermetallics

A new kind of surface modification, called 'laser interference metallurgy' is reported. It allows the creation of periodic pattern of features with a well defined long-range order on metallic surfaces in the scale of typical microstructures (i.e. from the sub micrometer level up to micrometers). By means of interfering laser beams with sufficient high pulse power a direct structuring in the micro scale with well known metallurgical effects such as melting, recrystallization, quenching, recovery, defect or phase formation can be exploited. Thus, long range ordered arrays of such pattern of phases, defects, grain sizes, textures or stresses could be created. This should open up a remarkable potential to tailor mechanical and other properties by microstructural surface functionalization. The topographic structuring of metallic multilayers as well as the lateral formation of patterns of B2 intermetallic compounds (NiAl and RuAl) and L12 intermetallic compound (Ni3Al) are reported as examples.