STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS ON LASER-DEPOSITED HYDROXYAPATITE FILMS

Pulsed laser deposition is a very promising technique for depositing thin films of calcium-phosphate compounds. A ruby laser was used to etch hydroxyapatite targets and to deposit thin hydroxyapatite films on titanium substrates in vacuum. Depositions were performed on temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 degrees C. Infra-red absorption, Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to investigate the structure of the photodeposited films. The deposition at 400 degrees C gave good stoichiometric and crystalline films and a good adhesion of the metal-ceramic interface.