DYNAMICS OF LONG-PULSE LASER TRANSFER OF MICROMETER-SIZED METAL PATTERNS AS FOLLOWED BY TIME-RESOLVED MEASUREMENTS OF REFLECTIVITY AND TRANSMITTANCE

Laser-induced transfer of thin films is a simple single-step technique for surface patterning. In this paper the optimization principles and processes are outlined which led to successful application of the lon g-pulse laser transfer technique. The critical analysis of experiments on ns-pulse laser transfer of thin films of a variety of metals and t he optimization study of the long-pulse laser transfer technique sugge sts that efficient deposition of high-quality patterns of micrometer d imensions can only be expected when using long laser pulses which not only produce ablation of the thin him pattern in solid phase but also maintain sufficient temperature during transfer and even on landing, t o ensure film adherence. In order to identify and understand the diffe rent time-dependent processes determining the laser transfer, studies using optical and electron microscopy and static and time-resolved opt ical measurements were performed. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physi cs.