Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films - by Robert Eason Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Edited by major contributors to the field, this text summarizes current or newly emerging pulsed laser deposition application areas. It spans the field of optical devices, electronic materials, sensors and actuators, biomaterials, and organic polymers. Every scientist, technologist and development engineer who has a need to grow and pattern, to apply and use thin film materials will regard this book as a must-have resource.

From the Back Cover

An examination of the latest materials and applications in pulsed laser deposition

Following up on the 1994 book Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films, this current version summarizes the state of the technology in pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques, new materials that have been grown, and their applications. Unlike the 1994 book, which focused on technique, the primary focus here is on the recent explosive growth of applications, including optical devices, electronic materials, sensors and actuators, and biomaterials.

Each one of the chapters has been written by one or more leading experts. Collectively, the editor and authors represent some of the most important innovators in the field.

The book is divided into five logical sections:

• Section 1 introduces the technique of PLD of complex materials, focusing on the latest advances that are helping this technology make the bridge from R&D to commercial applications.
• Section 2 discusses the use of PLD in non-standard or unconventional formats, including resonant infrared laser-induced PLD and matrix-assisted growth techniques for deposition of polymers or other fragile species. The final chapter in this section addresses industrial scale-up, a critical issue in making PLD technology fully commercial.
• Section 3 demonstrates the unique capability of PLD for a diverse range of materials and discipline-specific applications, including coating powders for drug delivery systems.
• Section 4 examines a range of application areas, focusing on broad classes of materials and devices, including waveguide materials and biomaterials.
• Section 5 presents two of the most recent and promising areas of exploration: laser ablative synthesis of single-wall carbon nanotubes and thin film growth of quasicrystals.

For researchers in thin films, this is an essential reference that brings them fully up to date with all the most recent findings and applications that are taking PLD from the laboratory to full commercial fabrication.

Review Quotes

"An invaluable examination of the latest materials and applications in pulsed laser deposition, Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films represents a remarkable achievement." (Current Engineering Practice, Feb 2008)

About the Author

ROBERT EASON, PhD, is Professor of Optoelectronics at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, UK, and a member of the ORC Management Board. Professor Eason has more than 140 journal and 160 conference publications to his credit. His achievements in PLD include the world's first lasing PLD waveguide (Nd: GGG on YAG), quasi-three level c.w. operation of Nd: GGG, the growth of single crystal thin-film sapphire that matches the best bulk sapphire grown to date, and the first successful growth and laser operation of Ti: sapphire on sapphire waveguides.