Scanning Particle Lens Array Laser Micro/Nano-patterning System

Nature has successfully demonstrated the use of surface textures to enhance functionality. The production and replication of these complex textures on man-made materials have been difficult when using conventional mechanical tooling, focused ion beams, electron beams, chemical etching and lithographic methods. Laser surface texturing has the flexibility (suitable for flat and curved structures) and speed to replicate such patterns. However challenges arise with the production is at nanometre scale due to the optical diffraction limit. LIG Nanowise has devised an efficient technique for laser nano-patterning across a large surface area, which overcomes these challenges. It is based upon the near-field focussing effect of a self-assembled particle-lens array (PLA) on a surface interacting with an angular incident laser beam.