Laser-driven cleaning using reactive gases

摘要

A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate. An explosive medium is introduced into a vicinity of the substrate, and a beam of electromagnetic energy is directed toward the substrate. Absorption of the electromagnetic energy causes the explosive medium both to generate a blast wave and to form reactive species, the blast wave and the reactive species cooperating to remove the contaminants from the surface substantially without damage to the surface itself.