INFLUENCE OF LASER WAVELENGTH ON ACTIVATION OF ZRO2 CERAMICS FOR ELECTROLESS METAL PLATING

Experimental results are presented on modifications of the surface pro perties of ZrO2 ceramics exposed in air to radiation of either a KrF l aser (lambda = 248 nm) or an ArF laser (lambda = 193 nm) with a pulse duration of 15-20 ns. The modifications of their diffuse reflectance s pectra (DRS) are studied as a function of the laser beam parameters. T he ablated parts of ZrO2 take on the ability to reduce metals (Cu or N i) from their respective electroless plating solutions. The electroles sly deposited metal can be patterned via local annealing of the ablate d areas with the help of a CW laser, either Ar+ or CO2. The catalytic activity of laser-treated ZrO2 ceramics towards the electroless deposi tion of metals is discussed from the viewpoint olf the formation of an oxygen-deficient surface under laser ablation. The possibility of ZrO 2 activation for electroless metal deposition using a scanning beam of a low-power CO2 laser is demonstrated. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d.