Creation of adhesion resistant silica glass surfaces with ultraviolet laser cleaning

Abstract

By using the ultraviolet irradiation from a frequency doubled copper vapour laser, in the fluence range used for laser cleaning, the surface chemistry of silica can be modified. Analysis has shown that the surface is dehydroxylated by the UV light changing it from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in nature. The modification of the surface has the effect of reducing the number of particles that adhere to the treated surface by up to 80%, for 0.3 /spl mu/m diameter particles, upon subsequent contamination of the surface.