Ballistic laser-assisted solid transfer (BLAST) from a thin film precursor

A novel technique for the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of material in solid phase from a thin film precursor is presented. Multiple, sub-threshold energy femtosecond pulses are used to lessen the adhesion of a donor film to a support substrate to facilitate forward transfer of solid 'pellets' of donor material to a receiver. A relatively higher intensity outer ring is added to the transfer laser pulses, by means of the near-field diffraction pattern of a circular aperture, to define the area for transfer in the donor film and allow for more reproducible pellet shapes. This technique has been termed Ballistic Laser-Assisted Solid Transfer (BLAST). (c) 2008 Optical Society of America.