Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Zirconia Using Infra-Red Picosecond Pulsed Laser: Effect of Laser Processing Parameters on the Surface Topography and Microstructure

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of processing parameters when applying direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) on the morphology and microstructure of zirconia surfaces using a 10 ps-pulsed laser source with 1064 nm wavelength. An experimental testing matrix is built with different values of laser fluence (5.7–18.2 J cm −2) and pulse overlap (66–98%). Surface morphology and microstructure are characterized by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Homogeneous line-like patterns with periodic spatial repetition of 5.0 µm, with varying depths, widths, and aspect ratio, are fabricated using proper processing parameters (5.7–7.6 J cm −2 and 92–96%). Structures with maximum depth of 1.5 µm and sharp edges are obtained (7.6 J cm −2 and 96% overlap). Ablated regions presented a morphology typical of photophysical ablation mechanism, with signs of molten material at the surface. Sub-micrometric pores and nanodroplets are registered for all conditions, while sub-micrometric cracks developed only for higher fluences. A processing window conducing to homogenous DLIP structures is set based on experimental data. Periodic structures with multiscale topographic features are successfully obtained on zirconia surfaces using DLIP technology in this study. These outcomes open new perspectives for fabrication of multifunctional zirconia surfaces for advanced biomedical and engineering applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2307894
Number of pages9
JournalAdvanced functional materials
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online dateSept 2023
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jan 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85172337766

Keywords

Keywords

  • direct laser interference patterning, surface microstructuring, ultrashort pulsed laser, zirconia