IR LASER-CHEMICAL PROCESSING OF METAL-SALTS FOR PREPARATION OF OXIDESAND METAL-CONTAINING LAYERS

The chemical processing of metal salts by the help of IR laser radiati on is often investigated using a thermochemical approach, in which the strong localized action of the laser beam imposes the characteristics of the process. High-temperature gradients induced in high-absorptivi ty salts are leading to specific morphologies and stoichiometries of t he obtained oxides. A comparison between controlled heating and laser- induced thermal processes points out to different kinetic functions an d decomposition steps of the heterogeneous reactions. Results obtained for copper, nickel and manganese salts with formation of their respec tive oxides, are presented. An interplay between pure- and laser-therm ally induced processes seems to interfere also in the titanium tetrach loride decomposition on a quartz plate, with formation of metal-based thin layers.