The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in different materials (metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics) upon irradiation with linearly polarized fs-laser pulses (τ ∼ 30–150 fs, λ ∼ 800 nm) in air environment is studied experimentally and theoretically. In metals, predominantly low-spatial-frequency-LIPSS with periods close to the laser wavelength λ are observed perpendicular to the polarization. Under specific irradiation conditions, high-spatial-frequency-LIPSS with sub-100-nm spatial periods (∼λ/10) can be generated. For semiconductors, the impact of transient changes of the optical properties to the LIPSS periods is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. In dielectrics, the importance of transient excitation stages in the LIPSS formation is demonstrated experimentally using (multiple) double-fs-laser-pulse irradiation sequences. A characteristic decrease of the LIPSS periods is observed for double-pulse delays of less than 2 ps.
The formation of nearly wavelength-sized laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) on single-crystalline silicon upon irradiation with single or multiple femtosecond-laser pulses (pulse duration τ=130 fs and central wavelength λ=800 nm) in air is studied experimentally and theoretically. In our theoretical approach, we model the LIPSS formation by combining the generally accepted first-principles theory of Sipe and co-workers with a Drude model in order to account for transient intrapulse changes in the optical properties of the material due to the excitation of a dense electron-hole plasma. Our results are capable to explain quantitatively the spatial periods of the LIPSSs being somewhat smaller than the laser wavelength, their orientation perpendicular to the laser beam polarization, and their characteristic fluence dependence. Moreover, evidence is presented that surface plasmon polaritons play a dominant role during the initial stage of near-wavelength-sized periodic surface structures in femtosecond-laser irradiated silicon, and it is demonstrated that these LIPSSs can be formed in silicon upon irradiation by single femtosecond-laser pulses.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) (ripples) with different spatial characteristics have been observed after irradiation of single-crystalline zinc oxide surfaces with multiple linearly polarized femtosecond pulses (150–200 fs, 800 nm) in air. For normal incident laser radiation, low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) with a period (630–730 nm) close to the wavelength and an orientation perpendicular to the laser polarization have been found in the fluence range between ∼0.7 and ∼0.8 J/cm2 and predominantly for pulse numbers up to N=100. For lower fluences (0.5–0.7 J/cm2), a sharp transition from the LSFL features toward the formation of high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) appears at any given pulse number below N=100. The HSFL are always parallel to the LSFL, exhibit spatial periods between 200 and 280 nm, and completely substitute the LSFL for pulse numbers N>100. Additionally, the influence of the angle of incidence has been studied experimentally for both LIPSS types revealing a different behavior. Experimental evidence for surface scattered second harmonic generation is presented in the regime of HSFL formation. Moreover, we will show that the HSFL structures on ZnO surfaces can be fully explained by an extension of the existing LIPSS theories if the photoexcitation of the dielectric material (affecting its transient optical properties) is considered in the frame of a simple Drude model along with the second harmonic generation at the irradiated surface. Based on our analysis, the current models of femtosecond laser-induced LIPSS are revisited and an explanation is proposed why HSFL are observed predominantly in the subpicosecond range for below band-gap excitation of dielectrics and semiconductors.
Periodic self-organization of matter beyond the diffraction limit is a puzzling phenomenon, typical both for surface and bulk ultrashort laser processing. Here we compare the mechanisms of periodic nanostructure formation on the surface and in the bulk of fused silica. We show that volume nanogratings and surface nanoripples having subwavelength periodicity and oriented perpendicular to the laser polarization share the same electromagnetic origin. The nanostructure orientation is defined by the near-field local enhancement in the vicinity of the inhomogeneous scattering centers. The periodicity is attributed to the coherent superposition of the waves scattered at inhomogeneities. Numerical calculations also support the multipulse accumulation nature of nanogratings formation on the surface and inside fused silica. Laser surface processing by multiple laser pulses promotes the transition from the high spatial frequency perpendicularly oriented nanoripples to the low spatial frequency ripples, parallel or perpendicular to the laser polarization. The latter structures also share the electromagnetic origin, but are related to the incident field interference with the scattered far-field of rough non-metallic or transiently metallic surfaces. The characteristic ripple appearances are predicted by combined electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical approaches and supported by SEM images of the final surface morphology and by time-resolved pump-probe diffraction measurements.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.