Patent ID: 6021154
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B23K,C21D

Abstract:
A method for laser shock peening a target surface, the method comprising the steps of:a) generating a first pulse of a laser beam from a cavity dumping oscillator having, in optical alignment, a first end mirror, a Pockels cell, a polarizer, an optically-pumped slab laser, and a second end mirror, wherein said first pulse has a cross section taken perpendicular to said laser beam, and wherein said cross section of said first pulse has a generally rectangular shape;b) directing said first pulse against a first generally rectangular area on said target surface;c) generating a second pulse of said laser beam, wherein said second pulse has a cross section taken perpendicular to said laser beam, and wherein said cross section of said second pulse has a shape which is generally identical to said generally-rectangular shape of said cross section of said first pulse; andd) directing said second pulse against a second generally rectangular area on said target surface, wherein said second rectangular area is proximate said first rectangular area.