Characterization of Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Glass Interior Irradiated by Femtosecond Laser

Abstract

Femtosecond laser pulses were focused in the interior of a single fused silica piece. Proper use of optical and laser processing parameters generated structural rearrangement of the material through a thermal accumulation mechanism, which could be potentially used for the transmission welding process. The morphology of generated features was studied using differential interference contrast optical microscopy. In addition, the predictive capability of the morphology is developed via a finite element analysis. The change in mechanical properties was studied through employment of spatially resolved nanoindentation. The specimen was sectioned and nanoindents were applied at the cross section to examine mechanical responses of the laser-modified region. Fracture toughness measurements are carried out to investigate the effects of the laser treatment on strength of the glass.