Study of optical properties of surface layers produced by laser surface melting and laser surface nitriding of titanium alloy

This study measured optical properties, such as specular, diffuse, and total reflection for 808 nm wavelength, characteristic for high power diode lasers radiation, from the surface of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V at delivery conditions, polished, and oxidized. Moreover, the optical properties of surface layers produced by high power direct diode laser (HPDDL) melting and nitriding were determined. Additionally, a methodology for determining the value of absorption for 808 nm wavelength of the HPDDL radiation on the surface of a melt pool during laser surface melting and nitriding of titanium alloy was proposed. The results show that the distinct differences in absorption affect the heat transfer, thermal conditions of laser heating and thereby the penetration depth during laser melting and nitriding of the titanium alloy.