Raman spectroscopic and photoluminescence investigations on laser surface modified α-Al2O3 coatings

Laser surface modification of plasma sprayed alumina coatings were carried out for obtaining desired structural and microstructural transformations. Appearance of Raman modes,was used to detect the transformation of Al2O3 from 7 to a phase. Photoluminescence due to the natural occurrence of Cr3+ ions was used to probe the densification and enhancement of the surface quality of the coatings brought about by laser treatment. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.