Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shock waves therethrough. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shock waves. The method includes applying a water based coating to a portion of the surface of the solid material and then applying a transparent overlay to the coated portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shock wave. A high speed jet of fluid is directed to coated portion of the solid material at times to remove the coating from the solid material. Additionally, the method may include directing a high speed jet of fluid to the surface of the solid material to dry the solid material.

Abstract: A method for depositing a thin aluminum film in a vacuum on a surface of a substrate which comprises the steps of:(a) Irradiating the surface of the substrate with a beam of ions of an inert gas, having a kinetic energy ranging from 100 eV to 1,000 eV at an angle of incidence ranging from about 0.degree. to 60.degree. to a normal of the surface.(b) Depositing vaporized aluminum on the surface of the substrate, in which the ratio of the amount of ions irradiating the surface to the amount of vapor deposited on the surface ranges from about 0.5% to 30% and wherein the temperature of the substrate ranges from about room temperature to 300.degree. C.