16Cr3Al-Hf ODS steel: Surface effects of high laser intensity of 1015 W/cm2 in ambiences of air, helium and vacuum

Behavior of ODS steel under high energy fluxes is important as it is one of the most promising fusion reactor materials. The addition of hafnium provides improved microstructure and therefore better mechanical properties at high temperatures, and the goal here was to investigate the effects induced on Hf-containing ODS steel by the action of high-intensity -1015 W/cm2 radiation obtained by ultrashort pulsed laser. Morphological and chemical parametric study of the surface was conducted at different work ambiences. New data were obtained on damage parameters, threshold fluences and chemical changes. Measured damage depths were -7.5 mu m (air), -14 mu m (helium), -48 mu m (vacuum), which is somewhat lower compared to ODS steel without the addition of hafnium.

Automated summary

The behavior of ODS steel under high energy fluxes is significant as it is a promising material for fusion reactors. The addition of hafnium improves the microstructure and mechanical properties at high temperatures. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity -1015 W/cm2 radiation on Hf-containing ODS steel using ultrashort pulsed laser. Morphological and chemical analysis was conducted in different environments, revealing new data on damage parameters, threshold fluences, and chemical changes. The measured damage depths were -7.5 μm (air), -14 μm (helium), and -48 μm (vacuum), which were slightly lower compared to ODS steel without hafnium addition.