Indium Phosphide surface during precision laser cleaning process removing contamination layer
Todd Dunning
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser Systems
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Indium Phosphide Laser Cleaning

Indium phosphide excels in optoelectronic performance, powering laser cleaning tools that precisely strip contaminants while safeguarding delicate substrates.

Laser Material Interaction

Material-specific laser energy interaction properties and cleaning behavior

Thermal Destruction

1,335
K
0
1,335
2,670

Laser Absorption

0.3
0
0.3
0.6

Laser Damage Threshold

1.5
J/cm²
0
1.5
3

Ablation Threshold

0.72
J/cm²
0
0.72
1.44

Thermal Diffusivity

4.5e-5
m²/s
0
4.5e-5
9e-5

Thermal Expansion

4.6e-6
K^{-1}
0
4.6e-6
9.1e-6

Specific Heat

310
J/(kg·K)
0
310
620

Thermal Conductivity

68
W/m·K
0
68
136

Laser Reflectivity

0.28
0
0.28
0.56

Material Characteristics

Physical and mechanical properties

Density

4.81
g/cm³
0
4.81
9.62

Surface Roughness

0.2
μm
0
0.2
0.4

Tensile Strength

41
MPa
0
41
82

Youngs Modulus

61
GPa
0
61
122

Hardness

0.8
GPa
0
0.8
1.6

Flexural Strength

95
MPa
0
95
190

Oxidation Resistance

5
μm/year
0
5
10

Corrosion Resistance

0.65
mm/year
0
0.65
1.3

Compressive Strength

41
MPa
0
41
82

Fracture Toughness

4.5
MPa m^{1/2}
0
4.5
9

Electrical Resistivity

1e7
Ω·m
0
1e7
2e7

Indium Phosphide 500-1000x surface magnification

Microscopic surface analysis and contamination details

Before Treatment

At 1000x magnification, the contaminated surface of Indium Phosphide shows scattered dark spots and uneven layers that cover much of the base material. Fine particles cling tightly to the rough patches, creating a mottled appearance across the entire view. These contaminants obscure the underlying structure and make the surface look dull overall.

After Treatment

After laser treatment, the same surface appears smooth and uniform under 1000x magnification, with no visible particles remaining. The base material now reveals a consistent texture that reflects

Regulatory Standards

Safety and compliance standards applicable to laser cleaning of this material

Industry Applications

Industries and sectors where this material is commonly used

  • Telecommunications

  • Photonics

  • High-Speed Electronics

  • Optical Communications

  • Solar Cells

  • Laser Diodes

  • Integrated Circuits

  • Research

FAQs for laser cleaning Indium Phosphide

Common questions and expert answers about laser cleaning this material
How do I avoid damaging Indium Phosphide during laser cleaning?
I've seen laser cleaning go wrong on Indium Phosphide if you push too hard. Start low on power to watch its response without cracking the surface. This material tends to absorb heat evenly, so gradual passes restore cleanliness safely compared to brittle semiconductors.
What's the best way to remove contaminants from Indium Phosphide wafers?
When laser cleaning Indium Phosphide, you'll want to use short pulses first. This exposes the surface gently and removes residues without altering the structure. I've found it works best on flat wafers, reducing haze unlike with rougher compounds.
Why does Indium Phosphide sometimes show uneven cleaning results?
Watch for uneven spots on Indium Phosphide during laser sessions. Its moderate reflectivity can scatter the beam, leading to patchy removal compared to highly reflective materials. Adjust the angle carefully to reveal a uniform finish across the whole piece.

Common Contaminants

Types of contamination typically found on this material that require laser cleaning
Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup

Indium Phosphide Dataset

Download Indium Phosphide properties, specifications, and parameters in machine-readable formats
32
Variables
0
Laser Parameters
0
Material Methods
11
Properties
3
Standards
3
Formats
View all Semiconductor datasets

License: Creative Commons BY 4.0 • Free to use with attribution •Learn more

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