FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive ManufacturingPublished
Dec 16, 2025
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
Absorptivity
0.42
0.25
0.42
0.6
Thermal Destruction
1,194
K
273
1,194
3,520
Specific Heat
195
J/kg·K
113
195
457
Laser Reflectivity
0.42
0.4
0.42
0.94
Thermal Conductivity
13.4
W/m·K
10.4
13.4
17.5
Thermal Expansion
1.2e-5
K^{-1}
6e-6
1.2e-5
26.2
Ablation Threshold
1.2
J/cm²
0.65
1.2
2.9
Absorption Coefficient
2.8e7
m^{-1}
3e5
2.8e7
6.6e7
Laser Damage Threshold
2.3
J/cm²
1.1
2.3
3.3
Thermal Diffusivity
1.1e-5
m²/s
7e-6
1.1e-5
1.9e-5
Lanthanum Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Youngs Modulus
61.3
GPa
15.8
61.3
63.5
Oxidation Resistance
1.1
0
1.1
149
Density
6.2
g/cm³
4.3
6.2
8.8
Hardness
0.35
GPa
0.38
0.35
906
Absorptivity
0.12
0.25
0.12
0.6
Boiling Point
3,737
K
1,705
3,737
3,834
Thermal Destruction
1,194
K
273
1,194
3,520
Specific Heat
195
J/kg·K
113
195
457
Laser Reflectivity
0.42
0.4
0.42
0.94
Thermal Conductivity
13.4
W/m·K
10.4
13.4
17.5
Thermal Expansion
1.2e-5
K^{-1}
6e-6
1.2e-5
26.2
Ablation Threshold
1.2
J/cm²
0.65
1.2
2.9
Absorption Coefficient
2.8e7
m^{-1}
3e5
2.8e7
6.6e7
Lanthanum surface magnification
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 & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Lanthanum Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Can a standard laser cleaning machine safely remove lanthanum oxide scale or contamination from components?
A: Requires precise fluence control. 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.
Q: What are the specific safety hazards of laser cleaning lanthanum or lanthanum-containing alloys?
A: Generates hazardous oxide fumes. 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.
Q: What is the best laser parameter setup (wavelength, power, pulse width) for cleaning lanthanum without damaging the substrate?
A: 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.
Q: Does laser cleaning create a passivation layer on lanthanum metal, and is it desirable?
A: Creates desirable oxide passivation. 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.
Q: How do you verify the effectiveness of laser cleaning on lanthanum surfaces? What inspection methods are used?
A: 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.
Q: Is lanthanum considered a 'rare earth' in laser cleaning safety protocols, and does it require special handling like thorium?
A: No radiological hazard. 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.
Q: What are the common industrial parts made of lanthanum that might require laser cleaning?
A: Cleans alloys and optical glass. 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.
Q: Why is lanthanum often a contaminant on other materials, and how is it removed with a laser?
A: Ablated above oxide threshold. 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.
Q: Can laser cleaning be used to prepare a lanthanum surface for subsequent processes like coating or welding?
A: Low conductivity minimizes heat input. 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.
Q: How does the high reactivity of fresh lanthanum metal affect post-laser cleaning handling and storage?
A: Immediate inert atmosphere transfer. 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.
Related Rare Earth › Lanthanide Materials
Lanthanum Laser Cleaning Dataset Download
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