Authentication and Testing of Banknotes Using Laser Multiphoton Electron Extraction Spectroscopy (MEES)

In laser multiphoton electron extraction spectroscopy (MEES), the photo-charges extracted from a surface by a pulsed laser beam are recorded as a function of laser wavelength. We report the first application of this spectroscopy to banknotes. Various banknotes from different countries, authentic and counterfeit, have been tested. The results indicate that MEES spectra are both informative (many peaks) and reproducible. The spectra allow for clear distinction between authentic and counterfeit banknotes. Actually, MEES provides a unique fingerprint of the banknotes, so that distinction between various forgery methods (printer used) is also possible.

Microstructure Study of Pulsed Laser Beam Welded Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened (ODS) Eurofer Steel

Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Eurofer steel was laser welded using a short pulse duration and a designed pattern to minimise local heat accumulation. With a laser power of 2500 W and a duration of more than 3 ms, a full penetration can be obtained in a 1 mm thick plate. Material loss was observed in the fusion zone due to metal vaporisation, which can be fully compensated by the use of filler material. The solidified fusion zone consists of an elongated dual phase microstructure with a bimodal grain size distribution. Nano-oxide particles were found to be dispersed in the steel. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis shows that the microstructure of the heat-treated joint is recovered with substantially unaltered grain size and lower misorientations in different regions. The experimental results indicate that joints with fine grains and dispersed nano-oxide particles can be achieved via pulsed laser beam welding using filler material and post heat treatment.

Applicability Study of Pulsed Laser Beam Welding on Ferritic–Martensitic ODS Eurofer Steel

Pulsed laser beam welding was used successfully to join the oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Eurofer steel. The joining was conducted with a laser power of 2500 W and a pulsed duration of 4 ms. With the filler material being used, a minor material loss and microvoids were observed in the joint. The microstructure of the fusion zone consists of dual phase elongated structures. The heat-affected zone has a width of around 0.06 mm with finer grains. The transmission electron microscopy observation reveals that nanoprecipitates are finely distributed in the fusion zone. The tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the joint are slightly inferior to the base material. The fractography results reveal a typical ductile fracture. The experimental results indicate a reasonable joint from the perspective of both the microstructure and mechanical behaviour.

Photoacoustic Signal of Nanobubbles Induced in PEGylated Gold-Nanorod Colloid

We have developed a photoacoustic (PA) measurement system using a broadband ultrasonic transducer to detect the PA signals induced in a gold nanorod (GNRs) colloid irradiated by the nanosecond-pulsed laser beam. This study will investigate the PA signals of PEG-GNRs at longitudinal surface plasmon resonance. Several factors including aspect ratio of GNR, pulse energy, concentration, and wavelength are varied to investigate these effects on the PA signal. We show that at the certain condition the generated PA signal of PEG-GNRs stronger than uncoated GNRs. Moreover, the PA signals of PEGGNRs are more stable than uncoated GNRs in the same condition. Keywords