Product Code: ICAL06_M202

Influence of the Repetition Rate on Self Organized Surface Structuring During Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation
Authors:
Johan Meijer, University of Twente; Enschede Netherlands
Max Groenendijk, University of Twente; Enschede Netherlands
Presented at ICALEO 2006

Self induced surface structuring has been observed during ablation with a high repetition rate femtosecond pulsed laser. Dependant on process parameters a periodic ripple pattern or a chaotic structure emerges. This paper investigates the influence of the repetition rate of the laser source on the self structuring process. Experiments are presented that evidence a strong relation between the used rate and the emerging chaotic structure. Besides research on the occurrence of self induced microstructures, also possible applications are investigated. Microstructured molds are machined that serve to fabricate polymer replicas with a negative of the microstructure. These replicas exhibit highly water repellant properties, comparable to a Lotus leaf. Real life technical applications include the use as self cleaning surfaces for consumer products.