LASER-ASSISTED SELECTIVE METALLIZATION OF DIAMONDS BY ELECTROLESS NI AND CU PLATING

Results are presented on area-selective metallisation of diamond singl e crystals and CVD diamond films realised by means of electroless meta l deposition onto laser-activated diamond surfaces. Two techniques of laser activation of the diamond surface are applied: (1) prenucleation of the surface with a thin layer of Pd catalyst via laser-induced dec omposition of a corresponding acetyl-acetonate solid film, and (2) las er-induced damage of the diamond surface. The activated surface is cha racterised with Auger spectra and X-ray microanalysis techniques. The possible mechanisms of surface activation are discussed along with alt ernative methods of diamond activation for electroless plating. The ad herence strength of the Cu deposit is 1.5-2 N/mm(2).