Fabrication of printable nanograting using solution-based laser-induced periodic surface structure process

Abstract

Abstract Laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) is of significant interest because it can be used to produce sub-wavelength structures through a simple laser patterning process. One of the main applications of LIPSS is color marking, which is due to diffraction from periodic grating structures. Such structural coloration is produced mainly by irradiating metal plates with femtosecond laser beams. However, when used with bulk materials, the unpatterned areas of the metal plate have undesirable properties, such as low transmittance, making it difficult to apply the LIPSS process. To overcome this problem, we propose herein a solution-based LIPSS process for fabricating printable nanogratings. The unique growth process of organometallic compounds allows gratings to form only in the desired area, leaving the surrounding unpatterned area to be easily cleaned using organic solvents. To form a periodic ripple structure, we apply specific processing parameters that enable the simultaneous growth and sintering of Ag nanoseeds. Given that the selective ripple patterns can be used in various applications, the proposed LIPSS process should be of significant practical use.