Abstract

Surface oxidation treatment of titanium is performed utilizing a Nd:YVO4 laser (wavelength of 532nm, pulse duration of 7ns, repetition rate of 30kHz). Different colored areas on titanium are obtained depending on the scanning velocity and distance between the consecutive scans at laser fluence of ~12J/cm2, intensity of ~1.7109W/cm2. The various colors observed in reflection are attributed to the light interference within the thin oxide layer formed on the sample surface. The characterization is done by means of fitting spectrophotometric measurements taking into account the propagation of light in stratified media and using a multi-sample approach. It is argued that laser controlled oxide growth on metals under ambient conditions can be used as an artistic tool by producing precisely defined colors, and hence paves a route towards the use of laser surface engineering for creative industries.