Dynamics of long-pulse laser transfer of micrometer-sized metal patterns as followed by time-resolved measurements of reflectivity and transmittance

Abstract

Laser-induced transfer of thin films is a simple single-step technique for surface patterning. In this paper the optimization principles and processes are outlined which led to successful application of the long-pulse laser transfer technique. The critical analysis of experiments on ns-pulse laser transfer of thin films of a variety of metals and the optimization study of the long-pulse laser transfer technique suggests that efficient deposition of high-quality patterns of micrometer dimensions can only be expected when using long laser pulses which not only produce ablation of the thin film pattern in solid phase but also maintain sufficient temperature during transfer and even on landing, to ensure film adherence. In order to identify and understand the different time-dependent processes determining the laser transfer, studies using optical and electron microscopy and static and time-resolved optical measurements were performed.