Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
Langmuir
Publication Date
Page Numbers
1930 to 1933
Volume
25
Issue
4
Abstract
We report the unexpected coloration of single-crystal ZnO during prolonged exposure to 193-nm excimer laser radiation in vacuum. The gray to dark-grey colored material, seen principally in the irradiated laser spot, is superficial and is easily removed by abrasion and chemical treatments. We present unambiguous evidence that this coloration is due to high densities of metallic Zn nanoparticles residing on the exposed surface of the crystal. Higher fluence laser exposure generates accumulated metal just outside of the irradiated spot.