Selective area laser-induced deposition of rare earth hexaborides from solution

We have developed a novel technique for the selective area deposition of rare earth hexaborides: laser-induced solution deposition (LISD). This technique is both simple and efficient and combines many advantages of both chemical vapor deposition and electrolyses deposition. We show that the deposition of polycrystalline thin films of rare earth hexaborides and sub-borides such as GdB₆, GdB₄, and GdB₂ is possible through the light initiated chemical reaction of nido-decaborane (B₁₀H₁₄) and gadolinium chloride in solution. These films grow with a strong texture axis and a morphology that is dependent both on the choice of solvents and wavelengths used in LISD.