Ultra-short laser pulse interaction with materials has received much attention from researchers in micro- and nanomachining, especially for the generation of nanoparticles in liquid environments, because of the straightforward method and direct application for organic solvents. In addition, the colloidal nanoparticles produced by laser ablation have very high purity—they are free from surfactants and reaction products or by-products. In this chapter, nanosecond, picosecond and femtosecond laser pulse durations are compared in laser material processing. Due to the unique properties of the short and ultra-short laser pulse durations in material processing, they are more apparent in the production of precision material processing and generation of nanoparticles in liquid environments.
Part of the book: High Energy and Short Pulse Lasers
In the last two decades, pulsed-laser ablation has received attention from researchers in micro- and nanotechnology. During the development of laser ablation in materials processing, several media, such as vacuum, air, gases and liquids, have been used to improve the quality and quantity of laser machining and production of nanoparticles. The laser-ablation environment is important in order to control the average size and chemical compositions of nanoparticles. Conducting the laser-ablation process in liquid environments has become of increasing relevance for the production of precise and pure micromachining and nanomaterials. In addition, deionised water has been found to be the optimal environment to produce nanoparticles for bioapplications.
Part of the book: Applications of Laser Ablation