Electrochemical and Metallurgical Aspects of Laser-Enhanced Jet Plating of Gold

Experimental results for a new plating technique using a laser in combination with a pressurized jet are described. Electrochemical and hydrodynamic parameters affecting the gold deposits are discussed. Scanning electron micrographs of the deposited gold surfaces indicate increased smoothness and decreased nodularity as well as disappearance of voids with increasing laser power density. A marked decrease in voids with increasing laser power is also observed in cross-sectioned samples. At the highest laser power densities used, with a 0.5 mm diam nozzle, plating rates of up to 12 μm/s have been observed. In general, the rate increases with increasing laser power density. Measurements of the Knoop hardness of the deposits gave values in the range characteristic for soft gold. © 1985, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.