How does a laser cleaning machine work?

Laser emission:

• The laser generates a high-energy laser beam, typically with a wavelength of 1064nm or 355nm.
• The laser beam is focused into a small spot with high energy density by a galvanometer system.

Laser-contaminant interaction:

• Photothermal effect: When the laser beam strikes the contaminant surface, the energy is absorbed, rapidly heating the contaminant to the point of vaporization.
• Photoablation effect: The laser pulse generates transient thermal expansion, disrupting the bond between the contaminant and the substrate, leading to ablation.

Photochemical effect:

• The laser energy breaks the molecular bonds of the contaminant, achieving chemical cleaning.

Shock wave effect:

• The pulsed laser creates a tiny plasma explosion, generating a shock wave that shatters or ejects the contaminant.

Contaminant removal:

• Contaminants are released from the surface as gas, vapor, or particles, partially removed by an exhaust system.
• The substrate remains intact due to its low absorption rate.

Control and scanning:

• The galvanometer system controls the laser beam's rapid scanning, covering the cleaning area along a pre-set path. Computer software adjusts laser power, frequency, pulse width, and scanning speed.