Novel approaches in pulsed laser deposition using ultrashort GHz burst pulses

Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is a versatile technique for fabricating high-quality thin films with stoichiometric transfer of complex materials. However, conventional PLD often suffers from limited coating homogeneity, particulate formation, and restrictions in coating complex geometries. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of PLD using ultrashort GHz burst pulses. The deposition experiments reveal a distinct angular distribution of the film thickness with a gradient towards higher propagation angles of the ablated species. Rotationally ring like coatings were obtained on substrates arranged around the plume axis. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the number and size of the particulates strongly depend on the applied burst energy and the number of GHz pulses per burst. These findings provide first insight into the process to structure relationship of this deposition approach. The study highlights its potential for enabling coatings on inner surfaces and complex geometries, thus opening perspectives beyond the capabilities of conventional PLD. • First demonstration of pulsed laser deposition using GHz burst pulses. • Deposition shows angular film thickness distribution with gradient profile. • Particle density and size depend on burst energy and pulse number. • Rotationally symmetric coating of surrounding substrates demonstrated. • Potential new PLD approach for coating of inner surfaces.