Sep 30 2010
The Journal of Applied Physics reported that researchers from the University of Naples, Italy have analyzed the characteristics of femtosecond laser ablation plumes. The researchers studied the ablation plume’s properties to apply them onto specialized films. The American Institute of Physics publishes the Journal of Applied Physics.
The researchers monitored the growth dynamics of many ultrashort laser ablation plumes. They also observed the properties of the complex ablation procedure, where some materials are vaporized in nanoparticle form and some in plasma form. The research group analyzed the shapes of the nanoparticle and the plasma plumes. Analyzing the shape of the plumes is crucial for pulsed laser deposition of nanoparticle films.
Pulsed laser deposition is used for developing nanoparticle gold and silver films. The films are used in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy applications. Nanoparticle films of cobalt, nickel and iron are likely to enhance carbon nanotubes’ growth.
James Lunney, co-author of the article, stated that the pressure in the plasma plume influences the extension of the nanoparticle plume. Analyzing the expansion dynamics is likely to enhance the understanding of the complete ablation process.
Source: http://www.international.unina.it/