Regular sub-wavelength surface structures induced by femtosecond laser pulses on nickel

In this research, the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on the nickel surface by femtosecond laser pulses was investigated. In the experiment, we used a commercially available amplified Ti:sapphire laser system that generated 164 fs laser pulses with a maximum pulse energy (Ep) of 1 mJ at a 1 kHz repetition rate and with a central wavelength λ= 780 nm. To obtain a fine periodic ordering of surface nanostructures, the laser beam, through a 0.2 mm pinhole aperture positioned near the 10× objective lens, was focused onto the sample. The samples were mounted on an XYZ-translation stage and irradiated in static and line-scanning experiment. The morphology of the induced periodic structure was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The surface profile was measured by atomic force microscopy. LIPSS with a period of around 700 nm entirely covered the irradiated area. Large area of LIPSS in the nickel surface was produced in line-scanning experiment. The mechanism of the formation of LIPSS in the entire irradiated area in static irradiation was discussed. The function of a 0.2 mm pinhole aperture was studied. The regular LIPSS on the nickel surface changed the optical property of the surface. The regular LIPSS on nickel surface could be also applied on the micro-mould fabrication.