Excimer laser-induced modification in PMMArNi-acetylacetonate films for selective metallization

We describe the selective production of thin metal layers on the surface of flexible polymeric substrate. The method consists in KrF-excimer laser irradiation of an organometallic compound Ni-acetylacetonate.embedded in a polymer matrix of polymethylmethacrylate PMMA.. By this laser processing, photodecomposition of the organic compound is observed, which liberates metallic atoms in the polymeric medium. This presence is further demonstrated by immersing the irradiated substrate in an electroless bath for selective metal deposition. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.