Numerical solution of a Stefan-like problem in laser processing of semiconducting alloys1This work was supported by the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, under grant no. A1010719, and by the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic, under grant no. 201/97/0217.1

A theoretical model of binary alloy melting and solidification induced by pulsed-laser irradiation is formulated using the mass and internal energy balances in the liquid and solid phases. The interface between the solid and liquid phases is modeled as a discontinuity surface where the mass and internal energy balance conditions are expressed, together with the interface response function. Both melting and solidification are considered as nonequilibrium processes.