Laser-induced periodic surface structures nanofabricated on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) spin-coated films

Physicochemical Modifications on Thin Films of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) and Its Nanocomposite with Expanded Graphite Nanostructured by Ultraviolet and Infrared Femtosecond Laser Irradiation

In this work, the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on the surfaces of thin films of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET reinforced with expanded graphite (EG) was studied. Laser irradiation was carried out by ultraviolet (265 nm) and near-infrared (795 nm) femtosecond laser pulses, and LIPSS were formed in both materials. In all cases, LIPSS had a period close to the irradiation wavelength and were formed parallel to the polarization of the laser beam, although, in the case of UV irradiation, differences in the formation range were observed due to the different thermal properties of the neat polymer in comparison to the composite. To monitor the modification of the physicochemical properties of the surfaces after irradiation as a function of the laser wavelength and of the presence of the filler, different techniques were used. Contact angle measurements were carried out using different reference liquids to measure the wettability and the solid surface free energies. The initially hydrophilic surfaces became more hydrophilic after ultraviolet irradiation, while they evolved to become hydrophobic under near-infrared laser irradiation. The values of the surface free energy components showed changes after nanostructuring, mainly in the polar component. Additionally, for UV-irradiated surfaces, adhesion, determined by the colloidal probe technique, increased, while, for NIR irradiation, adhesion decreased. Finally, nanomechanical properties were measured by the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping method, obtaining maps of elastic modulus, adhesion, and deformation. The results showed an increase in the elastic modulus in the PET/EG, confirming the reinforcing action of the EG in the polymer matrix. Additionally, an increase in the elastic modulus was observed after LIPSS formation.

Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structuring of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Films Containing Tungsten Disulfide Nanotubes

We report the study of the formation of Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS), with UV femtosecond laser pulses (λ = 265 nm), in free-standing films of both Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and the composite PTT/tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (PTT-WS2). We characterized the range of fluences and number of pulses necessary to induce LIPSS formation and measured the topography of the samples by Atomic Force Microscopy, the change in surface energy and contact angle using the sessile drop technique, and the modification in both Young's modulus and adhesion force values with Peak Force-Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping. LIPSS appeared parallel to the laser polarization with a period close to its wavelength in a narrow fluence and number of pulses regime, with PTT-WS2 needing slightly larger fluence than raw PTT due to its higher crystallinity and heat diffusion. Little change was found in the total surface energy of the samples, but there was a radical increase in the negative polar component (γ-). Besides, we measured small variations in the samples Young's modulus after LIPSS formation whereas adhesion is reduced by a factor of four. This reduction, as well as the increase in γ-, is a result of the modification of the surface chemistry, in particular a slight oxidation, during irradiation.

Femtosecond Optical Annealing Induced Polymer Melting and Formation of Solid Droplets

Interaction between femtosecond laser pulses with polymeric thin films induced transient optical annealing of the polymer molecules. Melting of the polymer films took place during the transient annealing process, so that a solid-liquid-solid phase transition process was observed. Ultrafast cooling of the melting polymer produced solidified droplets. Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization revealed that the polymer molecules were rearranged with preferable H-aggregation to reach the lowest formation energy during the melting process. Intermolecular coupling was enhanced due to the modified molecular arrangement. This observation of melting of polymeric semiconductors due to the interaction with femtosecond light pulses is potentially important for better understanding laser-matter interactions and for exploring organic optoelectronic devices through special material processing.

Electrons dynamics control by shaping femtosecond laser pulses in micro/nanofabrication: modeling, method, measurement and application

During femtosecond laser fabrication, photons are mainly absorbed by electrons, and the subsequent energy transfer from electrons to ions is of picosecond order. Hence, lattice motion is negligible within the femtosecond pulse duration, whereas femtosecond photon-electron interactions dominate the entire fabrication process. Therefore, femtosecond laser fabrication must be improved by controlling localized transient electron dynamics, which poses a challenge for measuring and controlling at the electron level during fabrication processes. Pump-probe spectroscopy presents a viable solution, which can be used to observe electron dynamics during a chemical reaction. In fact, femtosecond pulse durations are shorter than many physical/chemical characteristic times, which permits manipulating, adjusting, or interfering with electron dynamics. Hence, we proposed to control localized transient electron dynamics by temporally or spatially shaping femtosecond pulses, and further to modify localized transient materials properties, and then to adjust material phase change, and eventually to implement a novel fabrication method. This review covers our progresses over the past decade regarding electrons dynamics control (EDC) by shaping femtosecond laser pulses in micro/nanomanufacturing: (1) Theoretical models were developed to prove EDC feasibility and reveal its mechanisms; (2) on the basis of the theoretical predictions, many experiments are conducted to validate our EDC-based femtosecond laser fabrication method. Seven examples are reported, which proves that the proposed method can significantly improve fabrication precision, quality, throughput and repeatability and effectively control micro/nanoscale structures; (3) a multiscale measurement system was proposed and developed to study the fundamentals of EDC from the femtosecond scale to the nanosecond scale and to the millisecond scale; and (4) As an example of practical applications, our method was employed to fabricate some key structures in one of the 16 Chinese National S&T Major Projects, for which electron dynamics were measured using our multiscale measurement system.

Patterning Conjugated Polymers by Laser: Synergy of Nanostructure Formation in the All-Polymer Heterojunction P3HT/PCDTBT

In this work we report a broad scenario for the patterning of semiconducting polymers by laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Based on the LIPSS formation in the semicrystalline poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), we have extended the LIPSS fabrication to an essentially amorphous semiconducting polymer like poly[N-90-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(40,70-di-2-thienyl-20,10,30-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT). This polymer shows a good quality and well-ordered nanostructures not only at the 532 nm laser wavelength, as in the case of P3HT, but also at 266 nm providing gratings with smaller pitch. In addition, we have proven the feasibility of fabricating LIPSS in the P3HT/PCDTBT (1:1) blend, which can be considered as a model bulk-heterojunction for all-polymer solar cells. In spite of the heterogeneous roughness, due to phase separation in the blend, both P3HT and PCDTBT domains present well-defined LIPSS as well as a synergy for both components in the blend when irradiating at wavelengths of 532 and 266 nm. Both, P3HT and PCDTBT in the blend require lower fluence and less pulses in order to optimize LIPSS morphology than in the case of irradiating the homopolymers separately. Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure and Raman spectroscopy reveal a good chemical stability of both components in the blend thin films during LIPSS formation. In addition, scanning transmission X-ray spectro-microscopy shows that the mechanisms of LIPSS formation do not induce a further phase segregation neither a mixture of the components. Conducting atomic force microscopy reveals a heterogeneous electrical conductivity for the irradiated homopolymer and for the blend thin films, showing higher electrical conduction in the trenches than in the ridge regions of the LIPSS.

Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on P3HT and on Its Photovoltaic Blend with PC71BM

We describe the conditions for optimal formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) over poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) spin-coated films. Optimal LIPSS on P3HT are observed within a particular range of thicknesses and laser fluences. These conditions can be translated to the photovoltaic blend formed by the 1:1 mixture of P3HT and [6,6]-phenyl C₇₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) when deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode coated with (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Solar cells formed by using either a bilayer of P3HT structured by LIPSS covered by PC₇₁BM or a bulk heterojunction with a P3HT:PC₇₁BM blend structured by LIPSS exhibit generation of electrical photocurrent under light illumination. These results suggest that LIPSS could be a compatible technology with organic photovoltaic devices.

Filling nanoporous polymer thin films: an easy route toward the full control of the 3D nanostructure

A fully controllable interpenetrated 3D nanostructure is obtained by filling a nanoporous polymer ultrathin film with a second organic component.

Effects of high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser micromachining on the physical and chemical properties of polylactide (PLA)

The effects of femtosecond laser ablation, with 115 fs pulses at 1040 nm wavelength and 57 MHz repetition-rate, on the physical and chemical properties of polylactide (PLA) were studied in air and in water. The surface of the PLA sample ablated by high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser was analysed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Compared with the experiments in the air at ambient temperature, melting resolidification was negligible for the experiments conducted under water. Neither in air nor under water did oxidation and crystallization process take place in the laser ablated surface. In addition, the intensity of some oxygen related peaks increased for water experiments, probably due to the hydrolysis. Meantime, the chemical shift to higher energies appeared in C1s XPS spectrum of laser processing in water. Interestingly, a large amount of defects were observed after laser processing in air, while no significant change was shown under water experiments. This indicates that thermal and mechanical effects by high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser ablation in water are quite limited, which could be even ignored.

Physicochemical modifications accompanying UV laser induced surface structures on poly(ethylene terephthalate) and their effect on adhesion of mesenchymal cells

This work reports on the formation of different types of structures on the surface of polymer films upon UV laser irradiation. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was irradiated with nanosecond UV pulses at 193 and 266 nm. The polarization of the laser beam and the irradiation angle of incidence were varied, giving rise to laser induced surface structures with different shapes and periodicities. The irradiated surfaces were topographically characterized by atomic force microscopy and the chemical modifications induced by laser irradiation were inspected via micro-Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. Contact angle measurements were performed with different liquids, and the results evaluated in terms of surface free energy components. Finally, in order to test the influence of surface properties for a potential application, the modified surfaces were used for mesenchymal stem cell culture assays and the effect of nanostructure and surface chemistry on cell adhesion was evaluated.

In situ monitoring of laser-induced periodic surface structures formation on polymer films by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on model spin-coated polymer films has been followed in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) using synchrotron radiation. The samples were irradiated at different repetition rates ranging from 1 up to 10 Hz by using the fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) with pulses of 8 ns. Simultaneously, GISAXS patterns were acquired during laser irradiation. The variation of both the GISAXS signal with the number of pulses and the LIPSS period with laser irradiation time is revealing key kinetic aspects of the nanostructure formation process. By considering LIPSS as one-dimensional paracrystalline lattice and using a correlation found between the paracrystalline disorder parameter, g, and the number of reflections observed in the GISAXS patterns, the variation of the structural order of LIPSS can be assessed. The role of the laser repetition rate in the nanostructure formation has been clarified. For high pulse repetition rates (i.e., 10 Hz), LIPSS evolve in time to reach the expected period matching the wavelength of the irradiating laser. For lower pulse repetition rates LIPSS formation is less effective, and the period of the ripples never reaches the wavelength value. Results support and provide information on the existence of a feedback mechanism for LIPSS formation in polymer films.

Mapping the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures in thin polymer films by microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering

In this work we present an accurate mapping of the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in spin-coated thin polymer films, via a microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS) scan, GISAXS modeling, and atomic force microscopy imaging all along the scanned area. This combined study has allowed the evaluation of the effects on LIPSS formation due to nonhomogeneous spatial distribution of the laser pulse energy, mapping with micrometric resolution the evolution of the period and degree of structural order of LIPSS across the laser beam diameter in a direction perpendicular to the polarization vector. The experiments presented go one step further toward controlling nanostructure formation in LIPSS through a deep understanding of the parameters that influence this process.

Polarization-dependent elliptical crater morphologies formed on a silicon surface by single-shot femtosecond laser ablation

Formation of the elliptical-shaped craters on a silicon surface is investigated comprehensively using a single shot of a femtosecond laser. It is observed that the ablation craters are elongated along the major axis of the polarization direction, while their orientation is parallel to the polarization direction. The ablation area grows and the morphology of the craters evolves from an ellipse to nearly a circle with increasing fluence. The underlying physical mechanism is revealed through numerical simulations that are based on the finite-difference time-domain technique. It is suggested that the initially formed craters or surface defects lead to the redistribution of the electric field on the silicon surface, which plays a crucial role in the creation of the elliptical-shaped craters. In addition, the field intensity becomes enhanced along the incident laser polarization direction, which determines the elliptical crater orientations.

Micro- and submicrostructuring thin polymer films with two and three-beam single pulse laser interference lithography

In this work we report the application of two and three-beam single pulse laser interference lithography to thin polymer films of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). By irradiating the sample surface with temporary and spatially overlapped single pulses from two or three coherent beams and changing the angles of incidence, we have accomplished the fabrication of large-area polymer micro and submicrogratings as well as submicrometric cavities arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The characterization of the structures in real space by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has allowed us to determine the formation mechanism of the microgratings to be based on different ablation regimes depending on the local fluence. Moreover, complementary characterization of the submicrometric cavities in reciprocal space by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) confirms the existence of large areas where two-dimensional order is present. The experiments presented in this work demonstrate the suitability of single pulse laser interference lithography for micro and submicrostructuring polymer films, opening up new possibilities for patterning and paving the way for potential applications where polymer structures are involved.

Nanostructuring thin polymer films with optical near fields

In the present work, we report on the application of optical near fields to nanostructuring of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) thin films. By exposure to a single ultraviolet nanosecond laser pulse, the spatial intensity modulation of the near-field distribution created by a silica microsphere is imprinted into the films. Setting different angles of incidence of the laser, elliptical or circular periodic ring patterns can be produced with periods as small as half the laser wavelength used. These highly complex patterns show optical and topographical contrast and can be characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We demonstrate the key role of the laser wavelength and coherence length in achieving smooth, extended patterns in PTT by using excimer laser (193 nm) and Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) pulses. Reference experiments performed in Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) demonstrate that nanopatterning in PTT is triggered by ablation as opposed to GST, in which nanopatterning originates from laser-induced phase change, accompanied by a small topographical contrast. The experiments presented in this work demonstrate the suitability of optical near fields for structuring polymer films, opening up new possibilities for nanopatterning and paving the way for potential applications where optical near fields and polymer nanostructures are involved.

Continuous modulations of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures and scanned line-widths on silicon by polarization changes

Large-area, uniform laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are of wide potential industry applications. The continuity and processing precision of LIPSS are mainly determined by the scanning intervals of adjacent scanning lines. Therefore, continuous modulations of LIPSS and scanned line-widths within one laser scanning pass are of great significance. This study proposes that by varying the laser (800 nm, 50 fs, 1 kHz) polarization direction, LIPSS and the scanned line-widths on a silicon (111) surface can be continuously modulated with high precision. It shows that the scanned line-width reaches the maximum when the polarization direction is perpendicular to the scanning direction. As an application example, the experiments show large-area, uniform LIPSS can be fabricated by controlling the scanning intervals based on the one-pass scanned line-widths. The simulation shows that the initially formed LIPSS structures induce directional surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) scattering along the laser polarization direction, which strengthens the subsequently anisotropic LIPSS fabrication. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experiments, which both support the conclusions of continuous modulations of the LIPSS and scanned line-widths.

Crystallization under one-dimensional confinement in alumina nanopores of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and its composites with single wall carbon nanotubes

We report the preparation of semicrystalline polymer nanorods of PTT and of its nanocomposites with SWCNTs by infiltration of the molten polymer into disordered anodic alumina membranes. An accurate study of the crystalline orientation of these systems has been accomplished by means of X-ray microdiffraction. While polymer residual film exhibits isotropic character, edge-on lamellae are formed upon approaching the polymer/membrane interface. This effect might be due to the elongational flow that takes place in the molten state as polymer chains infiltrate the AAO membrane. At the interface, edge-on and flat-on crystalline lamellae coexist as a consequence of the strong interaction between the polymer and the AAO surface. Inside the nanopores, the confined environment induces a kinetic selection of polymer crystals which only allows the growth of crystalline lamellae with its a-axis parallel to that of the pore. In the case of PTT/SWCNT nanocomposites, this effect, in conjunction with the strong interaction between polymer and AAO surface, seems to prevail over the templating effect of the carbon nanotubes and a similar orientation to that of the neat PTT case is observed.

Adjustments of dielectrics craters and their surfaces by ultrafast laser pulse train based on localized electron dynamics control

A quantum model with the consideration of laser wave-particle duality based on the plasma model is employed for the femtosecond laser pulse train processing of fused silica. Effects of the key pulse train parameters, such as the pulse separation time and the number of pulses per train on the distributions of free electron are discussed. The calculations show that the spatial/temporal distributions of free electron can be adjusted by transient localized electron dynamics control using femtosecond laser pulse train design; the results are ablation shapes of craters and subwavelength ripples. It is also found that the first pulse separation time (Δt1) can be used for rough adjustments of ablated structures, while the second pulse separation time (Δt2) can be used for the fine tuning of ablated structures, especially the shapes of craters.

Assessment of femtosecond laser induced periodic surface structures on polymer films

In this work we present the formation of laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on spin-coated thin films of several model aromatic polymers including poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and poly carbonate bis-phenol A upon irradiation with femtosecond pulses of 795 and 265 nm at fluences well below the ablation threshold. LIPSS are formed with period lengths similar to the laser wavelength and parallel to the direction of the laser polarization vector. Formation of LIPSS upon IR irradiation at 795 nm, a wavelength at which the polymers absorb weakly, contrasts with the absence of LIPSS in this spectral range upon irradiation with nanosecond pulses. Real and reciprocal space characterization of LIPSS obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS), respectively, yields well correlated morphological information. Comparison of experimental and simulated GISAXS patterns suggests that LIPSS can be suitably described considering a quasi-one-dimensional paracrystalline lattice and that irradiation parameters have an influence on the order of such a lattice. Fluorescence measurements, after laser irradiation, provide indirect information about dynamics and structure of the polymer at the molecular level. Our results indicate that the LIPSS are formed by interference of the incident and surface scattered waves. As a result of this process, heating of the polymer surface above its glass transition temperature takes place enabling LIPSS formation.

Gold coatings on polymer laser induced periodic surface structures: assessment as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report on the fabrication of gold coated nanostructured polymer thin films and on their characterization as substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were obtained on thin polymer films of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) upon laser irradiation with the fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (266 nm, pulse duration 6 ns) resulting in a period close to the incident wavelength. The nanostructured polymer substrates were coated with a nanoparticle assembled gold layer by pulsed laser deposition using the fifth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (213 nm, pulse duration 15 ns). Different deposition times resulted in thicknesses from a few nanometres up to several tens of nanometres. Analysis by atomic force microscopy and grazing incident small angle X-ray scattering showed that gold coating preserved the LIPSS relief. The capabilities of the produced nanostructures as substrates for SERS have been investigated using benzenethiol as a test molecule. The SERS signal is substantially larger than that observed for a gold-coated flat substrate. Advantages of this new type of SERS substrates are discussed.

Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering of soft and hard nanofabricated gratings

Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) has been used to structurally characterize model hard and soft gratings of nanotechnological interest. The different gratings exhibit GISAXS patterns with characteristic features that can be associated with their level of order along the direction of periodicity and the length of the lines. Highly ordered gratings, made out of silicon by electron beam lithography, and those nanofabricated on spin-coated polymer films by nanoimprint lithography, exhibit characteristic semicircle-like GISAXS patterns with intensity spots periodically distributed on a semicircle whose radius is related to the incidence angle used. These gratings can be considered as one-dimensional crystalline lattices as provided by computer simulations. Less ordered polymer gratings prepared by the laser-induced periodic surface structuring method exhibit a GISAXS pattern characterized by periodic rod-like scattering maxima whose intensity decreases with increasing horizontal scattering angle. In this case the gratings can be considered as one-dimensional paracrystals. The transition from a rod-like to a semicircle-like GISAXS pattern has been simulated and attributed to the contribution of the form factor by changing the length of the line (ripple). A critical length value for the transition is located at around a few micrometres.