Phase transformations in laser‐irradiated Au‐Si thin films

Laser‐pulse‐induced melting, interdiffusion, and rapid resolidification are applied to deposited Au‐Si thin films of various compositions. It is found that, if 30‐ns pulses are used, amorphous Au‐Si films can be produced over a compositional range 9–91 at.% Au. The stability of the amorphous phases varies with their composition. Thermal decomposition involves the formation of a single‐metastable silicide with a hexagonal structrue. Application of 300‐μs laser pulses directly leads to formation of the same compound.