Surface Modifications of a Ti6al4v Implant/Alloy By a Picosecond Nd:Yag Laser

Interaction of an Nd:YAG laser, operating at 1064 or 532 run, 40 ps pulse, with Ti6Al4V implant/alloy was studied. The energy absorbed from the laser is partially converted to thermal energy, which generates a series of effects, such as melting, vaporization of the molten material, shock waves, etc. The following changes were observed: (i) appearance of crater like form in the central zone of the irradiated area; (ii) resolidified droplets of the material in the surrounding outer zone, especially expressed at 1064 nm; and (iii) appearance of a periodic surface structures, also more prominent at 1064 nm. Generally, both laser wavelengths show potential of enhancing the roughness of the surface, particularly useful in implant applications, for better bio-integration. Laser interaction with the samples was accompanied by formation of plasma, which additionally helps obtaining a sterilizing effect.Publications of the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade Series, 24th Summer School and International Symposium on Physics of Ionized Gases, Aug 25-29, 2008, Novi Sad, Serbi