Picosecond time-resolved measurements of crystallization in noble metals

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Abstract
Crystallization rates in pure metals have been measured by monitoring changes in reflectivity on a picosecond time scale during pulsed laser quenching. Multilayered films were used to establish that the transient decreases in reflectivity correspond to melting. Depth profiling with Auger electron spectroscopy on laser-irradiated areas showed complete mixing of the layers, which could only have occurred by melting. Crystallization velocities as high as 100 m/s were measured. These growth speeds are too large to be the result of a crystallization process governed by liquid state diffusion. The results of computer simulations based on a collision-limited growth model for crystallization were consistent with the measurements.