ABSTRACT
This chapter describes nanoparticles (NPs) and nanotubes created by femtosecond laser–solid target interaction. It suggests to use femtosecond lasers to create nanocrystals and nanotubes in a vacuum medium. NPs can exhibit very different physical and chemical properties in comparison to macroscale particles. The aluminum size distribution of the NPs is determined with the aid of an image analysis software package based on the atomic force microscopy data. The use of femtosecond lasers decouples the plasma formation of the target from the subsequent dynamics of the removed material, contrary to the interaction of nanosecond laser pulses. Experimental data and theoretical calculations of femtosecond laser absorption by an aluminum target is given in the literature. The main methods used to synthesize nanotubes are carbon arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition, and ion bombardment. NPs have been achieved with these techniques and also by laser ablative deposition in an appropriate gas atmosphere.
