Droplet formation on the surface of a melt due to excitation of capillary waves by laser radiation

An investigation was made of the reasons for the formation of droplets on the surface of a melt and its influence on laser processing of metals. It was found that the dominant mechanism of loss of the melt was the recoil pressure of a jet of the evaporating material. Estimates indicated that the splashing out of the melt did not change significantly the efficiency of utilization of the laser radiation.