Laser-ablative nanostructuring of surfaces

Abstract

We present an overview of laser methods for nanostructuring of surfaces that are in the focus of ongoing research activities of our Institute (LP3). The methods imply the removal of material by laser radiation to provide either spontaneous nanostructuring of laser–illuminated surface or its controlled nano–modification. Here, the desired relief or architecture is achieved through a proper selection of radiation characteristics (pulse duration and wavelength) and parameters of environment (pressure of ambient gas, etc.). Examples of formed nano–architectures include penguin–like structures of black Si with enhanced light absorption in the visible, semiconductor (Si, Ge, ZnO, etc.) quantum dot nanostructures with UV/visible fluorescence, as well as periodic plasmonic nanoarrays. Exhibiting a series of unique properties, these structures are of importance for photovoltaics, optoelectronics and biological sensing applications.