Chemical composition and charge stability of highly crystalline pulsed-laser-deposited polytetrafluoroethylene films on metal substrates.

Abstract. KrF excimer-laser ablation of sintered-powder polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) targets is used for the deposition of high-quality PTFE films on metallic microstructures and metal backplates for electroacoustic applications. The films are found to be highly crystalline, consisting of large spherulites with diameters up to 1 mm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the films revealed the chemical similarity of press-sinter target pulsed-laser-deposited films with bulk PTFE. Negatively charged PTFE films on stainless steel backplates exhibit an exceptional charge stability with practically no decrease of the surface potential up to 225 Celsius in open-circuit thermally stimulated discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]