Laser ablation method of synthesis of nanostructures

This method is very much of importance for a material science researcher since it involves laser melting, vaporization, and deposition of metal vapors on the substrate. A combination of physical erosion and evaporation is employed in this method. This method is one among the best industry relying for the synthesis of single walled nanotubes and single walled nano horns. Researchers prefer Nd:YAG laser (600 Watt) for this purpose. Here the laser beam is allowed to fall on a plane mirror. Reflected beam’s intensity can be controlled by a shutter or by the usage of fine slits. Lenses are employed then to get a focused fine beam. This fine laser beam is allowed to fall on the graphite. This leads to heating, melting and vaporization. At this stage, large grains are converted into small size grains. Rapid cooling yields nanotubes.