Localized metallic melting and hole boring by laser guided discharges

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Abstract
We demonstrate a new technique for localized melting and boring of materials using discharges guided by laser induced breakdown of atmospheric pressure air. This technique has important applications to a novel method for machining and welding materials, since the melting location can be controlled by adjusting the path of the focused laser beam. These experiments have demonstrated several features of localized metallic melting by laser guided discharges: (1) the melted spot can be scanned by changing only the position of the laser focal spot on the metal sample; (2) the melted spot diameter and profile depend upon the relative timing of the laser pulse and the discharge; (3) defocusing the laser beam has an effect upon the melted spot pattern; and (4) hole boring has been accomplished in aluminum foils which cover the stainless‐steel electrode