New advancements for laser-matter interaction applied to laser shock peening

Abstract

For a proper understanding of laser shock applications, it is necessary to explore new experimental configurations and push forwards the range of configurations available. It is also important to develop theoretical and numerical models to guide these experiments, helping to reach new developments. In the present work, the latest advancements concerning laser-matter interaction will be introduced and discussed. New models were developed, associated with their experimental demonstration, concerning the expansion of a laser-induced plasma in the case of small focal spots. Furthermore, when applying a high overlapping ratio between laser shots, the material reaction to the thermal loading of the plasma was spatially resolved, helping to thwart detrimental thermal effects. Finally, a new configuration for the interaction itself, using a water tank, was also implemented and shown an increase up to 2 times of the intensity threshold for the breakdown inside the water confinement.