High‐Speed Surface Structuring of Polycarbonate Using Direct Laser Interference Patterning: Toward 1 m² min⁻¹ Fabrication Speed Barrier

Abstract

Periodic structures with micro‐ or sub‐micrometer resolution can be used to improve the mechanical, biological, or optical properties of surfaces. Direct laser interference patterning combines high resolution (sub‐micrometer feature sizes) with high fabrication speed. New processing heads for high‐speed laser interference patterning of polycarbonate are introduced, which provide effective patterning speeds up to 0.9 m 2 min –1 . The surface topography of the processed polymer is analyzed by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Focused ion beam is used to create cross‐sections to determine the structuring mechanism. Finally, high‐speed interference patterning is compared to conventional direct laser writing.