Active-Feedback Laser Surface Preparation System

To address the Navy’s need for a non-aqueous, environmentally benign, surface preparation process for pre-treatment of aluminum, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue development of the new Active-Feedback Laser Surface Preparation (AFLAP) system. This proposed surface processing system is based on pulsed laser ablation and novel use of real-time surface quality monitoring with plasma emission spectroscopy. Specifically, the innovation in making treated surface quality information available during preparation will enable preparation of aluminum alloy surfaces with homogenous topography and a high level of purity. During Phase I, POC successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the AFLAP system through design and development of a benchtop prototype and by conducting proof-of-concept experiments. Comparison of the wettability, metallurgical, and corrosion resistance coating adhesion test results proved that the AFLAP pre-treatment process is better than- or on par with the immersion tank process. Having fully demonstrated the feasibility of the technology, POC plans to develop a complete prototype with a fully developed ablation head and laser system and demonstrate its performance through laboratory bench level tests as well as field level tests at a Navy repair and rework facility. The proposed system is expected to reach TRL-6 at the end of Phase II.