Structural variations during aging of the particles synthesized by laser ablation of copper in water.

The formation of particles during ablation of copper (Cu) in distilled water by different pulse duration (5 ns, 200 ps and 30 fs), wavelength (1064 and 355 nm of 5 ns pulses), and energy is demonstrated. It is found that the initial particles of Cu rapidly oxidize to form cupric oxide (CuO) and cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) particles. Pulse duration and wavelength play a crucial role during the process of formation, morphology change, and aging of particles. We demonstrate that ultra-short pulses allow obtaining particles with smaller sizes and narrower distribution. It is shown that the morphology of CuO/Cu₂O particles in this case becomes more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]