Intermixing and phase transformations in Al/Ti multilayer system induced by picosecond laser beam

Multilayer structures, consisting of 15 alternate Ti and Al thin films, and covered with thicker Ti layer, were deposited on a Si substrate to a total thickness of 900nm. Laser treatment was performed in air by defocused Nd:YAG laser pulses (150ps) with energies of 7 and 10mJ covering an area of 3mm in diameter (fluences were 0.1 and 0.14Jcm−2 respectively). Laser beam was scanned over the 5×5mm surface area. Characterizations were done by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Nano-hardness measurements were performed by Vicker's method with applied load of 5mN. Obtained results show that irradiation with picosecond laser pulses leads to the formation of Ti2O3 in the top Ti layer. This process is more pronounced for higher energy and/or higher number of applied laser pulses. On the surface of all samples very thin amorphous TiO2 layer was formed. Laser irradiation induces surface melting and transformation of relatively flat surface into mosaic shaped one for samples treated with higher energy and higher number of applied laser pulses. Irradiation at smaller energy did not induce any noticeably mixing between Al and Ti beneath the covered Ti layer. Some mixing of Al and Ti appeared in the sample irradiated with higher energy of laser pulses. •Al/Ti multilayer system irradiated with defocused picosecond laser pulses in air•Laser treatment induces formation of Ti2O3 oxide within the top Ti layer.•Very thin amorphous TiO2 layer was formed on the surface of all samples.•Laser irradiation induces surface melting and formation of mosaic shaped structure.•Micro-cracks overlaid by TiO2 are ideal places for cell adherence and proliferation.