LASER CLEANING TECHNOLOGY

The laser cleaning process is based on photo thermal ablation process which produces a production of shockwaves during an expansion of the plasma which is created by an absorption of a short series of pulse laser beam. In the case of the Q-switched lasers, two events can occur: The soil layer to be removed can absorb the laser radiation and removal can occur at a depth equal to the penetration of the laser radiation.

The process is made efficient by a series of micro-explosions which are a result of the shockwave produced by the plasma generated in the layer. Or, the dirt or soil layer to be removed is transparent to the laser wavelength, so the laser radiation interacts with the substrate and the plasma generated produces a shockwave, which rejects the overlaying layer.

Lasca Technologies Inc. utilizes Nd : YAG lasers for cleaning applications. Lasers operating in the pulsed Q-switched mode generate an intense pulse that breaks up outer layers and safely cleans many types of substrates. Typically the first laser pulse generates a plasma near the surface, abla-ting the superficial material. Subsequent pulses, on the same area, are diffusely reflected from the non-absorbing substrate, without damaging it. Cleaning of polychrome surfaces is also made possible where color selectivity is absolutely necessary. This type of application requires a Nd:YAG laser with different harmonic wavelengths (532nm, 355nm, 266nm). Lasca Technologies also utilizes laser models with harmonic wavelengths that can address a multitude of various substrate conditions.

In this regard, the laser cleaning technique is an attractive and flexible process and can be adapted for each project.