Formation of nanoclusters on the surface of silicates, induced by the radiation of a CO_2 laser

Abstract

This paper discusses photochemical transformations caused by the action of radiation, both continuous and from a pulsed CO2 laser, on the surface of silicates (nepheline KNa3[AlSiO4]4, rhodonite CaMn4[Si5O15], zircon ZrSiO4, etc.). It was established by means of x-ray-emission analysis of a laser-irradiated surface that the action of laser radiation on these materials results in selective sublimation of silicon oxides, as well as enriching the surface with inclusion elements. The action of laser radiation also leads to the appearance on the irradiated surface of silicon and metallic nanoclusters, and this was confirmed by means of both photoluminescence and x-ray-emission studies of the laser-irradiated surface.