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Al(2) O(3) substrates with controlled porosity were manufactured from nanosized powders obtained by plasma processing. It was observed that when increasing the sintering temperature the overall porosity was decreasing, but the pores got larger. In a second step, Ce stabilized ZrO(2) doped hydroxyapatite coatings were pulsed laser deposited onto the Al(2) O(3) substrates. It was shown that the surface morphology, consisting of aggregates and particulates in micrometric range, was altered by the substrate porosity and interface properties, respectively. TEM studies evidenced that Ce stabilized ZrO(2) doped HA particulates ranged from 10 to 50 nm, strongly depending on the Al(2) O(3) porosity. The coatings consisted of HA nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix quite similar to the bone structure. These findings were congruent with the increased biocompatibility and bioactivity of these layers confirmed by enhanced growing and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

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-We report on new features of nanostructured coatings used in trace gas detection applications based on the modification of optical parameters. We review the general physical principles underlying the operation of optical detectors and introduce the basic systems used in trace gas recognition. Pd-doped SnO 2 thin films were pulsed laser deposited on Si (100) and quartz substrates in 10 Pa O 2 at different substrate temperatures. Coatings on Si were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to determine their surface morphology and by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction for films structure. Twin films deposited on quartz were investigated using the m-line technique to monitor the variation of optical properties when exposed to butane diluted in N 2 down to 100 ppm concentration. The acquired expertise was used to design a miniaturized system which was tried in real conditions.

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