Laser synthesis and crystallographic characterization of ultrafine SiC powders

Abstract
High purity, ultrafine SiC powders have been produced from gas phase reactants (SiH4, C2H2) in a CO2 laser induced process. The flow reactor designed to operate with a medium power (10–50 W) continuous wave CO2 laser source is described. The mechanism of gas phase reactions involved has been investigated by means of on-line optical diagnostics. Powders produced have been characterized by means of conventional chemical and spectroscopic methods. The x-ray results point out a growth mechanism by coalescence; i.e., whole islands move in the flame to take part in binary collisions, analogously to that observed for particles produced by inert gas evaporation.