Processing of bioglass coatings by excimer laser ablation

Bioglass (BG) coatings have been prepared in different N2O atmospheres by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using a BG target and an ArF laser. Changes in composition and refractive index were observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and single-wavelength ellipsometry. Film thicknesses were measured by profilometry and surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been shown that target composition is transferred to the substrate and that films properties can be modified using different N2O atmospheres during the growth process. We observed also a gradual variation of the film refractive index with increasing N2O pressures and FTIR spectra reveal that the formation of nonbridging oxygen bonds in the coatings can be controlled. It is well-known, that these bond units determine the formation of apatite on the surfaces of bioactive glass coatings (BGCs) after being soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF), which is an essential characteristic of biocompatibility.