Large-area laser-fabricated self-organized structures

This deliverable involves the identification of the optimum processing parameters for the fabrication of moderate-size (1 cm2), flat areas featuring nanostructured surfaces obtained by laser-induced self-organization processes. In particular, the main effort will be directed towards fabrication of surface structures consisting of parallel grooves and cone structures with controllable spacing and orientation. Optimum parameters will be identified by means of a systematic study on different inorganic materials, employing high-repetition rate pico- and femtosecond lasers and beam scanning. The parameter space explored will include substrate material, laser wavelength, pulse duration, repetition rate, polarization, pulse energy, spot size, scan velocity, line separation, and number of scans. The quality of the fabricated nanostructures in terms of arrangement, size, periodicity, lateral extension will be assessed by optical microscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy.