Any number of gases, including high-Z gases such as krypton, can be injected to form a beam. Compared to ion implantation, costs can be significantly lower at doses sufficient to modify metallurgical properties. And while cooling rates comparable to those seen here occur with pulsed laser processing, the in-depth energy delivery with ions means that a deeper melt layer can be created before ablation occurs. Reflection of laser light also limits laser use with metals. Tests show significant increases in hardness and wear durability of the treated surface.
Surface alloying can extend the range of property improvement.
Additional elements can be added in thin-film form to a metal substrate. The Pt has become incorporated to a depth far beyond the original coating thickness, and the coating itself has ceased to exist as a separate entity. Experiments at the Materials Modification Laboratory are supported by a team of materials scientists located at Sandia as well as at Cornell University and the Naval Research Laboratory.