Laser transfer deposition

Abstract

This invention is directed to a method for producing a smooth and continuous pressure bonded layer of a material such as gold or other precious metal, to a substrate, such as a metal substrate, through the driving force of a pulsed laser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a laser transparent substrate, applying thereto a thin polymeric film, where said polymer is characterized by a high optical coefficient of absorption to the wavelength of said laser. Preferably, such coefficient is at least 2.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.-1. To the polymeric film, a thin layer or film of the material, such as gold is applied. Thereafter, the laser transparent substrate, containing the dual layers is placed in close proximity to the substrate or workpiece upon which such material is to be deposited. To this assembly, a pulsed laser is directed through the transparent substrate toward the polymeric film and material layer, whereby the laser energy is absorbed by the polymeric causing heating and vaporization thereof over a controlled depth of such polymer film. The vaporization provides the necessary pressure to blow-off the remaining polymer film and propel the material layer onto the substrate or workpiece. The resulting pressure bonded layer, i.e. gold or other precious metal, is smooth and continuous.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.