Deposition of SiOx layer by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for the protection of silver (Ag) surfaces

Silver surfaces have been treated with plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition to produce SiO2-like coatings for possible applications in the jewelry industry. Different experimental conditions have been tested in order to optimize the protective effectiveness of the deposited layers. Samples were analyzed with optical and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of material using ablation of thin films

We show the controlled transfer of thin films of different metallic materials to a receiving substrate. Single pulses from a mode locked (40ps pulse), frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (energy flux approximate to 13J/cm2 at 532nm) were used. Receiving substrates (metals, semiconductors or crystals) were placed parallel, at a close proximity to the thin film. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as EDAX analysis were performed, showing evidence of the production of micrometric scale patterns. In particular, we studied the transfer of precious metal to metal/crystals for possible application in the jewellery industry

Laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) of materials using 40 ps pulses-experimental and quantitative modelisation study

In this paper we report the results of experiments on LIFT performed using single pulses from a mode locked (40ps pulses), frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser (energy flux approximate to 13J/cm(2) at lambda = 532 nm). We studied the controlled transfer of thin films of different metallic materials to a receiving substrate. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis were performed, showing evidence of the production of micrometric scale patterns. One of our objectives is to investigate and develop possible applications of LIFT in jewellery industry. In order to understand the experimental results we developed a simple analytical model based on the Rankine-Hugoniot relations. Comparison between experimental and simulated results is presented