ISSN:
1432-0630
Keywords:
PACS: 61.80.Ba; 81.65.Cf
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract. Maskless laser patterning of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films was studied by the use of a diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YLF laser. The ITO films were sputter-deposited either on lime glass, the standard substrate material for flat panel display applications, or fused quartz so that the efficiency of laser patterning as a function of substrate absorption could be studied. The laser wavelength was varied among infrared (λ=1047 nm), visible (λ=523 nm), and ultraviolet (λ=349 nm and λ=262 nm). It is observed that strong light absorption by the substrate is a crucial requirement for a residue-free patterning of the ITO film. Observations and numerical calculations of the laser-induced surface temperature indicate that material removal occurs via thermal vaporization and that other mechanisms such as photochemical decomposition or spallation can be neglected.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003390051550
