Laser engineering of biomimetic surfaces

Abstract

The exciting properties of micro- and nano-patterned surfaces found in natural species hide a virtually endless potential of technological ideas, opening new opportunities for innovation and exploitation in materials science and engineering. Lasers are increasingly proving to be promising tools for the precise and controlled structuring of materials at micro- and nano-scales. When ultrashort-pulsed lasers are used, the optimal interplay between laser and material parameters enables structuring down to the nanometer scale.

Questions this source addresses

• How can hierarchical micro- and nano-scale laser patterning replicate biological functions such as structural color, superhydrophobicity, and antibacterial surfaces?
• How do ultrashort-pulsed lasers achieve nanometer-scale structuring of material surfaces?
• What advantages does laser-based fabrication offer over mask-based lithography or chemical etching for producing biomimetic surfaces?
• What is the mechanism behind laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) and how do they self-organize?