Production of silicate thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and applications to studies in mineral kinetics

The production and characterization of thin films (up to several mu m) of silicates and oxides (e.g. olivine, garnet, pyroxene and plagioclase) is described. These films are found to be amorphous, highly uniform (+ or - 1 nm) in thickness and of the proper solid solution compositions. Small amounts of excess oxygen after deposition can be readjusted by subsequent annealing, which may crystallize the films in some cases (e.g. several h at 900 degrees C for olivine). These films open the possibility of a variety of studies in mineral kinetic and surface sciences. Some examples of the production of diffusion couples in minerals are given, including Fe-Mg diffusion in olivine at low-T, Si and O diffusion in olivine and diffusion of Lu in garnets.