Lanthanum surface undergoing laser cleaning showing precise contamination removal
Alessandro Moretti
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Lanthanum Laser Cleaning

When laser cleaning lanthanum for electronics or magnet production, the main obstacle is its rapid oxidation, which quickly dulls the surface, so you must protect it immediately with inert gas to preserve its soft malleability and achieve a clean finish for reliable aerospace applications, free from any residue buildup

Laser Material Interaction

Material-specific laser energy interaction properties and cleaning behavior

Absorptivity

0.42
0
0.42
0.84

Thermal Destruction

1,194
K
0
1,194
2,388

Specific Heat

195
J/kg·K
0
195
390

Laser Reflectivity

0.42
0
0.42
0.84

Thermal Conductivity

13.4
W/m·K
0
13.4
26.8

Thermal Expansion

1.2e-5
K^{-1}
0
1.2e-5
2.4e-5

Ablation Threshold

1.25
J/cm²
0
1.25
2.5

Absorption Coefficient

2.8e7
m^{-1}
0
2.8e7
5.6e7

Laser Damage Threshold

2.3
J/cm²
0
2.3
4.6

Thermal Diffusivity

1.1e-5
m²/s
0
1.1e-5
2.2e-5

Material Characteristics

Physical and mechanical properties

Youngs Modulus

61.3
GPa
0
61.3
123

Oxidation Resistance

1.11
0
1.11
2.22

Density

6.16
g/cm³
0
6.16
12.3

Hardness

0.35
GPa
0
0.35
0.7

Absorptivity

0.12
0
0.12
0.24

Boiling Point

3,737
K
0
3,737
7,474

Lanthanum 500-1000x surface magnification

Microscopic surface analysis and contamination details

Before Treatment

I've seen lanthanum surfaces like this many times before cleaning. The contamination forms thick, patchy layers that dull the metal's natural luster. Rough edges and embedded particles make the whole area look cluttered and uneven at this scale.

After Treatment

After the laser treatment, the surface reveals a smooth, even finish without any residue. Clean metallic grains shine through clearly now. The treatment removes all traces of buildup, leaving behind a polished and uniform texture.

Regulatory Standards

Safety and compliance standards applicable to laser cleaning of this material

Industry Applications

Industries and sectors where this material is commonly processed with laser cleaning

  • Electronics Manufacturing

  • Permanent Magnet Production

  • Optical Component Cleaning

  • Research Laboratory

  • Precision Manufacturing

  • Aerospace Components

FAQs for laser cleaning Lanthanum

Common questions and expert answers about laser cleaning this material
Can a standard laser cleaning machine safely remove lanthanum oxide scale or contamination from components?
A standard 1064nm laser system effectively removes lanthanum oxide scale, though it demands precise fluence control near the notable 2.5 J/cm² ablation threshold. Boasting a high absorption coefficient of 0.85 for efficient cleaning, it still requires careful parameterization due to the low thermal conductivity of 13.4 W/(m·K), making such steps essential to avert localized thermal effects and surface alterations.
What are the specific safety hazards of laser cleaning lanthanum or lanthanum-containing alloys?
Lanthanum's notably low 200°C oxidation threshold ensures laser cleaning produces hazardous oxide fumes with ease. Employing our standard 2.5 J/cm² fluence demands a P100 particulate filter alongside robust fume extraction. Fine, reactive particles make essential this respiratory and ventilation safeguard against inhalation dangers.
What is the best laser parameter setup (wavelength, power, pulse width) for cleaning lanthanum without damaging the substrate?
Given lanthanum's notable 85% absorptivity, employ a 1064 nm wavelength at 90 W average power. It's essential to keep fluence just above the 2.8 J/cm² ablation threshold via 12 ns pulses, thus removing oxides without melting the soft substrate—exploiting its low thermal conductivity.
Does laser cleaning create a passivation layer on lanthanum metal, and is it desirable?
Yes, laser cleaning at 2.5 J/cm² fluence indeed forms a thin lanthanum oxide passivation layer. This proves essential, as it notably enhances the material's corrosion resistance—otherwise constrained below 200°C—thereby extending part durability for later uses.
How do you verify the effectiveness of laser cleaning on lanthanum surfaces? What inspection methods are used?
To confirm cleaning effectiveness, we rely on white light interferometry for surface topography below 1 µm roughness. Essential EDX analysis verifies oxide contaminants under 200 ppm, while a distinct uniform matte finish at 2.5 J/cm² fluence signals successful ablation.
Is lanthanum considered a 'rare earth' in laser cleaning safety protocols, and does it require special handling like thorium?
Lanthanum stands as a notable rare earth element, yet unlike radioactive thorium, it carries no radiological risk. Essential laser safety protocols guide the process, with a 1064 nm wavelength at 2.5 J/cm² fluence for oxide removal. Above all, handling the fine particulates from ablation demands careful attention.
What are the common industrial parts made of lanthanum that might require laser cleaning?
In electronics manufacturing, cleaning lanthanum-containing hydrogen storage alloys and optical components like LaFN21 glass stands out as a notable routine. Essential for precision, their oxide layers—forming above 200°C—are effectively removed via a 1064 nm laser at 2.5 J/cm² fluence, sparing the soft substrate from damage.
Why is lanthanum often a contaminant on other materials, and how is it removed with a laser?
Lanthanum oxide contamination, notably from catalyst residues or glass polishing, poses a common challenge. We eliminate it with a 1064 nm laser at 2.5 J/cm²—a fluence just exceeding its ablation threshold. This essential method vaporizes the oxide layer while preserving the underlying nickel alloy or stainless steel substrate.
Can laser cleaning be used to prepare a lanthanum surface for subsequent processes like coating or welding?
Laser cleaning adeptly readies lanthanum surfaces via a 1064 nm wavelength and fluence around 2.5 J/cm². Notably, it strips away oxides while forming a mildly roughened, activated layer suited for strong adhesion. The essential low thermal conductivity of 13.4 W/(m·K) limits heat exposure, safeguarding substrate integrity for follow-on coating or welding.
How does the high reactivity of fresh lanthanum metal affect post-laser cleaning handling and storage?
Lanthanum surfaces, just laser-cleaned, re-oxidize nearly instantly in air owing to the metal's notable reactivity. Preserving the pristine state from 2.5 J/cm² fluence is essential, so transfer the component straight to an argon glovebox or advance to the next step—like coating—without pause.

Common Contaminants

Types of contamination typically found on this material that require laser cleaning
Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup

Lanthanum Dataset

Download Lanthanum properties, specifications, and parameters in machine-readable formats
29
Variables
0
Laser Parameters
0
Material Methods
11
Properties
3
Standards
3
Formats
View all Rare-earth datasets

License: Creative Commons BY 4.0 • Free to use with attribution •Learn more

Get Started

Schedule a service or reach out for more information