skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Nanoscale Laser-Induced Spallation in SiO2 Films Containing Gold Nanoparticles

Journal Article · · Applied Physics B

A phenomenological theory of ultraviolet pulsed-laser-induced spallation is proposed to interpret crater formation in SiO2 thin films containing absorbing 18.5-nm gold particles. The theory considers a spherical thermoacoustic stress wave propagating from a thermal source produced by laser-energy absorption inside the particle and surrounding ionized volume. Calculations show that the tensile stress associated with such an acoustic wave may exceed the local strength of the material and cause fracture and spallation of the top film portion. The theory provides an explanation of the experimentally observed complex (two-cone) shape of craters formed in the film with particle-lodging depth exceeding 110 nm. Theoretical estimates for the threshold stress amplitude and peak temperature in the thermal source are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations.

Research Organization:
Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC52-92SF19460
OSTI ID:
876413
Report Number(s):
DOE/SF/19460-654; 1614; 2005-73; TRN: US200721%%636
Journal Information:
Applied Physics B, Vol. 82, Issue 4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English