Laser-initiated microchemistry in thin films: Development of new types of periodic structure

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Decomposition of Au metallopolymer thin films induced by a scanning cw Ar+ laser leads to metallic features that, under a broad range of experimental conditions, exhibit marked periodic structure. Preliminary mechanistic studies point to a thermal decomposition pathway in which the heat released in the exothermic reaction drives the reaction front ahead of the laser‐irradiated area. The spatial period is determined by laser power, scan speed, and film thickness. We argue that this mechanism is analogous to laser‐initiated explosive phenomena observed in the recrystallization of amorphous semiconductors.