Formation of polymer films by pulsed laser evaporation

Films were produced by pulsed laser evaporation of various solid polymer targets in vacuum. Smooth films and relatively low deposition power thresholds (<107 W/cm2 peak) were observed for strongly absorbed ultraviolet wavelengths. Poorly absorbed wavelengths gave powdery deposits. For many polymers the evaporation process did not significantly alter the chemical structure, but the molecular weight was reduced.