Metal pattern deposition by laser-induced forward transfer

Results of a systematic study on laser-induced transfer of metal patterns are summarized. The pulse width of the lasers used in the experiments was scaled from a few nanoseconds to one millisecond to discover the different time-dependent processes determining ablation and transfer of thin films of a variety of metals. The physical events were followed by optical and electron microscopy and static and time-resolved optical measurements, as well as ultrafast photography. The main conclusion is that the adhesive properties of the interface between the metal film and the support, and the thermophysical characteristics of both the support and target substrates determine the yield of the transfer. Optimum parameter sets ensuring deposition of well adhering micrometer-sized patterns faithfully reproducing the illuminating area were determined. The technological importance of this novel technique is pointed out.