Scalable Nanoshaping of Hierarchical Metallic Patterns with Multiplex Laser Shock Imprinting Using Soft Optical Disks. Issue 18 (8th April 2019) - Jin, Shengyu
Abstract: Large‐area patterning of metals in nanoscale has always been a challenge. Traditional microfabrication processes involve many high‐cost steps, including etching and high‐vacuum deposit, which limit the development of functional nanostructures, especially multiscale metallic patterns. Here, multiplex laser shock imprinting (MLSI) process is introduced to directly manufacture hierarchical micro/nanopatterns at a high strain rate on metallic surfaces using soft optical disks with 1D periodic trenches as molds. The unique metal/polymer layered structures in inexpensive soft optical disks make them strong candidates of molds for MLSI processes. The feasibility of MLSI on hard metals toward soft molds is studied using theoretical simulation. In addition, various types of hierarchical structures are fabricated via MLSI, and their optical reflectance can be modulated via a combination of depth (laser power density), width (types of molds), and angles (rotation between molds). The optical properties have been studied with surface plasmon polariton modes theory. This work opens a new way of manufacturing hierarchical micro/nanopatterns on metals, which is promising for future applications in fields of plasmonics and metasurfaces. Abstract : Multiplex laser shock imprinting is a scalable and reliable approach to directly pattern metallic foils into sophisticated multiscale micro/nanostructures at a high strain rate. Trenches from widely available optical disks are selected as imprinting molds. This technique can modulate the optical property of imprinted foils by laser power density, mold widths, and angular combination between molds.