A new pulsed laser deposition technique: scanning multi-component pulsed laser deposition method

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Thin Film Deposition

Background:

• Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is a versatile technique for thin film fabrication.
• Achieving uniform, large-area multi-component coatings with controlled composition remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method for uniform, large-area multi-component coatings.
• To demonstrate the capability of creating single and multilayered coatings with controlled composition and gradients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a scanning multi-component pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique with a femtosecond laser system.
• Employed horizontal line-scanning of a focused laser beam over uniformly moving segmented targets.
• Adjusted target geometry, scan line, and motion to control coating composition and multilayer structure.

Main Results:

• Achieved uniform deposition of multi-component coatings over large areas.
• Demonstrated simultaneous ablation and deposition of elements (Ti, Al, Nb) with a fixed 1:1:1 ratio.
• Observed coexistence of crystalline Al, Ti, and Nb without alloy formation up to 600 °C.

Conclusions:

• The scanning PLD method offers a simple yet effective approach for fabricating uniform, functional gradient coatings.
• This technique allows precise control over coating composition, thickness, and microstructure.
• The method is suitable for producing advanced materials with tailored properties for diverse applications.