Modern methods of treatment of the surface layer allow improvement in mechanical properties of metals (an increase in the life and resistance to wear of mechanical elements as well as other properties, e.g., electrical ones). Owing to the very large temperature gradients (approximately 108 K/m) and great rates of crystallization obtained, the laser treatment method is the most efficient of them all. The range of changes in mechanical properties obtained through such treatment cannot be achieved by other methods. The method of laser doping of metal surface layers offers especially distinct advantages. This is related to obtaining various and atypical heterogeneous systems in these layers. In the paper the results have been discussed of the treatment of the surface layer using a Nd-YAG pulsed laser. Studies have been carried out for metals of significance in electrical engineering: Ag, W, Mo -- as base metals and Sn, Ni, Pd and Au -- as a doping material. Special attention has been paid to changes in the microhardness of the layers obtained compared with the properties of base metals and doping metals. The results point to strong possibilities of modification of microhardness through laser doping.
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