Selective area laser-induced deposition of rare earth hexaborides from solution

We have developed a novel technique for the selective area deposition of ra re earth hexaborides: laser-induced solution deposition (LISD), This techni que is both simple and efficient and combines many advantages of both chemi cal vapor deposition and electrolyses deposition. We show that the depositi on of polycrystalline thin films of rare earth hexaborides and sub-borides such as GdB6, GdB4, and GdB2 is possible through the Light initiated chemic al reaction of nido-decaborane (B10H14) and gadolinium chloride in solution . These films grow with a strong texture axis and a morphology that is depe ndent both on the choice of solvents and wavelengths used in LISD. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.