Although magnesium has a wide array of applications, including lightweight structures, biodegradable implants, and rechargeable batteries, its widespread use is limited by its susceptibility to corrosion. Pulsed laser treatments present a promising method for enhancing the surface characteristics of magnesium, with the goal of improving its corrosion resistance and creating a controlled roughness. This roughness is beneficial for enhancing the adhesion of coatings and optimizing interactions with living cells on the surface of implants. This study introduces a novel investigation into how pulse length affects the topography and corrosion resistance of laser-treated AZ31 magnesium alloy surfaces.

Three different laser sources, each distinguished by their respective pulse durations falling within the nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond ranges, were employed in a similar experimental setup. This approach allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the effects and applications of different pulse durations within a controlled environment, facilitating a comparative study of their performance and characteristics.

Customized treatment strategies were developed, demonstrating the method's ability to confine degradation to specific areas and direct it in targeted ways. Additionally, in vitro experiments indicate a promising potential for this approach in the biomedical sector, particularly in the creation of specialized degradable implants. Future applications may also include the regulation of degradation in other biodegradable materials, the development of anodes for innovative magnesium batteries, and the implementation of smart magnesium anodes for cathodic protection.