Assessing the effect of the matrix in resonant infrared MAPLE

The ablation yield of polyethylene glycol is measured as a function of laser pulse energy and polymer molecular weight for both free running and Q-switched Er:YAG lasers. The results show that the deposition rate is dependent on the absorption coefficient in a way that is consistent with the blow-off ablation model but that the linear dependence of the efficiency on laser pulse energy is also consistent with a steady-state ablation model. The results for both lasers are remarkably similar given that the pulse durations are 350 μs and 85 ns, respectively. Furthermore, polystyrene thin films are deposited as well and it is found that the morphology depends on the THF/MeOH ratios in the matrices. The significance of these results is discussed as well as future directions for this research.