Laser induced periodic surface structures on polymer films: From fundamentals to applications

Abstract

The generation of nanostructured polymer films has been a challenge during the last decades. Surface nanostructuring based on the imprinting of nanoscale patterns on a homogeneous surface or on the deposition of nanostructures on the surface serves advantageously for nanofabrication of functional polymer materials. Advanced nanolithography typically requires multiple-steps procedures involving clean-room facilities, high vacuum or complex mask fabrication. Alternatively, laser-based methods enable high spatial resolution patterning of soft polymeric matter and afford the sought versatility and reliability without the need of stringent ambient conditions. In particular, the technique of laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) has been successfully applied to nanostructuring of polymer films using a polarized laser source at several laser wavelengths and pulse durations. In this paper the formation of LIPSS on polymer films will be described. In particular, the possibilities of tuning the period and shape of the structures will be discussed since the control of the characteristics of the superficial structures can be crucial in order to match the requirements of a particular application.Additionally, an overview about the main and potential applications of LIPSS in polymer films is provided. In particular, the use of rippled polymer films as substrates for cell culture/alignment, surface enhanced Raman scattering sensors, or applications in photovoltaics will be reviewed.

Growth mechanisms of multiscale, mound-like surface structures on titanium by femtosecond laser processing

“…Femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) is an emerging technology for the creation of functionalized surfaces through the formation of self-organized, multiscale surface structures. [1][2][3][4][5] FLSP is applicable for a wide range of materials, including metals, [5][6][7][8][9] semiconductors, 10,11 polymers, [12][13][14] glass, 15,16 and ceramics. 17,18 The resulting micro/ nanostructures provide special surface properties with many potentially useful applications.…”

Experimental explanation of the formation mechanism of surface mound-structures by femtosecond laser on polycrystalline Ni60Nb40

“…[1][2][3][4] A wide range of materials are applicable for FLSP: metals such as steel and nickel, [5][6][7] semiconductors, including silicon and germanium, [8][9][10] and polymers. [11][12][13] The resulting micro/nanostructure imbues surfaces with customizable surface properties such as increased broadband light absorption, 9,14 and tailored wetting properties ranging from superhydrophobic [15][16][17] to superhydrophilic. [18][19][20] These specialized properties have a plethora of potential applications, including for photovoltaics, 14,21 drag reduction, [22][23][24] heat transfer, [25][26][27] and biomedical implants.…”

Laser-induced periodic surface structures on ZnO thin film for high response NO2 detection

“…Therefore, these structures are gen erated when linearly polarized radiation interacts with a solid. Re cently, femtosecond LIPSS has proven its potential in patteming me tallic materials [12], dielectrics [13], polymers [14] and thin films [15].…”