Provided are a method and an apparatus for laser quenching. The method utilizes a scanning galvanometer, and involves laser quenching via irradiation with intermittent, repeated scans, rather than a single scan as in the prior art. The method results in increased laser energy absorbed by the metal base and improved depth of thermal conduction, while avoiding melting at the metal surface, thus providing a significantly improved laser quenching process. The apparatus can include a laser, a control system, a light guiding system, a mechanical motion device and a galvanometer.