Monitoring laser cleaning of titanium alloys by probe beam reflection and emission spectroscopy

Studies have shown excimer laser cleaning to be an effective non-chemical alternative method for removing contaminants from surfaces of titanium alloys in preparation for electron beam welding and diffusion bonding, with reference to aerospace applications. Among several important criteria for process acceptability, is the absence of oxide formation. This paper investigates the viability of using a probe beam reflection (PBR) system and laser plume emission spectroscopy (PES) for detection of incipient oxide formation on three typical aerospace titanium alloys, viz. Ti64, Ti6246, and IMI834. These diagnostic techniques have been shown to be capable of sensing different components in the emission plume and yield quantitative results. Results from this work correlate closely with previously reported cleaning mechanisms. The oxidation threshold, as well as the operating window for successful decontamination, is discussed. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.