Physical model for the laser induced forward transfer process

This paper presents a numerical model which describes the underlying physical processes during laser induced forward transfer. The laser induced forward transfer uses a pulsed laser to transfer thin layers from a transparent support to a substrate. The model predicts the threshold energies E-th as well as the blow-off time t(blow), thus allowing a profound physical understanding of the transfer process. The good agreement of simulated with measured E-th and t(blow) of thin nickel layers demonstrates the accuracy of the model. The model shows that gasification of the soda-lime glass support is the main driving force of the transfer process. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3685469]