Production of oxide ceramic coatings on glass by laser sintering

Abstract

Nanocrystalline coatings of alumina on silica glass and borosilicate glasses have been produced by laser sintering. The coatings are about 100 nm thick, dense, free of cracks and optically homogeneous. Scratch resistance of the glass surfaces was strongly improved by the coatings. The novel laser sintering device used for this process allows the adaptation to different product geometries and heating schedules. Strategies for a well-aimed optimization of process parameters and questions concerning possible large-scale production are discussed.