Laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition LCVD

Laser assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) yields continuous or discontinuous low diameter fibers directly from the vapor phase by tip growth. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on the surface of a small diameter, preferably sacrificial, precursor fiber yields a large diameter fiber or microtube. Chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) can change the chemistry of precursor fibers by infiltration of a chemically reactive vapor species. Finally, laser vaporization (LV) of carbon-metal mixtures yields highly entangled mats of nearly endless nanotube ropes. 

Laser assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) is a relatively new process. It has already shown promise of becoming a major route for the fabrication of (1) potentially continuous small diameter fibers having premium structural, thermal or optical functionality, (2) complex fiber based microparts such as microsprings and solenoids, and (3) microdevices which operate by using coupled electrical, magnetic and thermal fields. Three excellent reviews should be consulted for details [1-3]. 

Figure 2. Growth of microstructures by laser assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD). Linear single laser system (A). Goniometer controlled single laser system (B) and complex dual laser system (C). Redrawn from F. T. Wallenberger, Rapid prototyping directly from the vapor phase, Science, 267,1274-1275 (1995).

F. T. Wallenberger, R. J. Diefendorf, K. D. Frischknecht and P. C. Nordine, Novel carbon fibers by laser assisted chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) in Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., Materials Research Society, Vol. 349,51-59(1994). 

LCVD Laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition... 

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