Verfahren zur laserinduzierten Beschichtung von Fasern

The invention relates to a process for the laser-stimulated coating of fibres from the gas phase (LCVD process) which permits fibres, preferably carbon or silicon carbide continuous fibres, to be coated with a diffusion-reducing and/or wettability-enhancing coating, thus permitting the production of metal matrix composite materials. According to the invention, the fibres are irradiated with laser light in an atmosphere enriched with gaseous active components, whereby the wavelength and energy flow density of the laser beam, the absorption capacity of the fibres and the active components are matched in such a way as to achieve a pyrolytic and/or photolytic stimulation of the chemical process causing the deposition of the coating. In addition to the coating characteristics which are variable within wide limits by controlling the laser and deposition parameters, a significant increase in the deposition rate is achieved in comparison with conventional coating processes, and coatings which are not otherwise obtained in conventional hot-wall CVD reactors can be produced.