Backward plume deposition as a novel technique for high deposition rate Fe nanoclusters synthesis

Fe nanoclusters with a much higher deposition rate and significantly less laser droplets were successfully synthesized by laser ablation of an Fe target along a circular strip which encircled the Si substrate mounted on the target itself. This method is coined as backward plume deposition (BPD). The mechanism of higher deposition rate for BPD was investigated by characterizing the ablated plume dynamics using time-resolved ICCD imaging. Detailed nanocluster morphology, deposition rates and magnetic properties were studied by SEM, surface profiler and VSM. This method opens up a new paradigm for industrial applications of pulsed laser deposition due to appreciably enhanced deposition rates with reduced laser droplets.