Structural investigations on laser deposited hydroxyapatite films

Abstract

Pulsed laser deposition is a very promising technique for depositing thin films of calcium-phosphate compounds. A ruby laser was used to etch hydroxyapatite targets and to deposit thin hydroxyapatite films on titanium substrates in vacuum. Depositions were performed on temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C. Infra-red absorption, Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to investigate the structure of the photodeposited films. The deposition at 400 °C gave good stoichiometric and crystalline films and a good adhesion of the metal-ceramic interface.