In nuclear power plants, structural components such as concrete can become contaminated through neutron irradiation or prolonged exposure to radioactive fission products. Over time, this contamination tends to either penetrate beneath the surface or adhere firmly to it, forming a hazardous layer that poses serious challenges during maintenance or decommissioning activities. Traditionally, methods such as mechanical cutting, sandblasting, and chemical treatments have been used to remove these layers. However, these approaches often generate large volumes of secondary waste, release radioactive dust, and significantly increase radiation exposure to workers. 

To address these limitations, laser-based techniques are drawing increasing attention as a safer and more efficient alternative. By focusing high-intensity energy on targeted areas, lasers can selectively remove contaminated surface layers while minimizing damage to the underlying material. This not only reduces secondary waste but also helps limit operator exposure to radiation.

Currently, research institutions are actively exploring various types of laser sources, including Nd: YAG and fiber lasers, as well as advanced pulse control techniques. These studies aim to improve removal efficiency while minimizing the heat-affected zones that could compromise structural integrity. At the same time, there are growing efforts to integrate laser heads with robotic arms and remote-control platforms. Such automation allows for more precise and consistent decontamination, especially in high-risk or hard-to-reach environments.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain. High system costs, the need for real-time process control, and the containment of radioactive particles during removal still present obstacles to widespread adoption. Therefore, continued research and pilot-scale demonstrations are essential to refine this technology and enable its safe and practical deployment in operational nuclear facilities.