Abstract

Metal powders with particle diameters of <0.1 μm have applications as miniature sensors, as magnetic materials, in spray coatings, and as catalysts. One method of generating such powders with a narrow range of particle sizes is by pulsed laser irradiation of a metal surface.¹ We describe the use of excimer lasers in producing ultrafine powders of Ni, Gu, W. and Ta. As a class of rapidly solidified materials with a large surface area, the potential of these powders as catalysts is of particular interest.

© 1989 Optical Society of America