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The presentation gives an overview of BAM's activities on processing influences and application properties of MPEAs in the form of joined and machined high and medium entropy alloys (CoCrFeMnNi and CoCrNi). In the case of welding, the focus is on defect-free welded joints with sufficient mechanical properties. In the case of machining, the focus is on the possible influence on the surface quality of the materials through adequate milling parameters. In addition, the hydrogen absorption and diffusion properties as well as the electrochemical corrosion behavior are fundamentally examined.
Advances in ultrafast laser manufacturing: nanostructures, thin films, and scaling perspectives
(2024)
Advanced ultrafast laser technology is a rapidly growing field that currently enables many new industrial and scientific applications. During the last decades, this has been significantly driven by the availability of high-repetition-rate laser sources and novel beam delivery concepts. At the laser side, Moore’s law equally manifests for ultrafast laser technologies, since the average output power of such lasers doubles approximately every two years. This development is mainly driven by the increase of the pulse repetition rates of energetic laser pulses, currently enforcing the development of smart beam control and novel scanning strategies for preventing heat-accumulation and plasma-shielding effects during laser-based materials processing. This keynote presentation addresses the advantages, recent developments, and perspectives of laser processing with ultrashort laser pulses. A special focus is laid on the tailored structuring of thin films as well as the manufacturing and probing of sub-diffraction surface nanostructures – an ongoing race to extreme scales. Current limitations are identified and an outlook to future scaling perspectives will be provided.
Der Vortrag gibt einen Überblick zu ultrakurzen Laserpulsen, der Ultrakurzpulslaser-Materialbearbeitung und der dabei ggf. auftretenden unerwünschten Röntgenstrahlung. Es wird die Laserbearbeitung von technischen und biologischen Materialien diskutiert. Schutzmöglichkeiten gegenüber der Röntgenstrahlung werden erörtert.
Der Vortrag gibt einen Überblick über die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten der Oberflächenfunktionalisierung mittels Mikro- und Nanostrukturierung durch Ultrakurzpuls-Lasermaterialbeabeitung. Dies schließt eine Diskussion des Phänomens der Laser-induzierten periodischen Oberflächenstrukturen (LIPSS, engl.: Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures, Ripples), sowie deren Klassifikation und Bildungsmechanismen mit ein. Ein Schwerpunkt der Präsentation liegt auf der Diskussion verschiedener Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der LIPSS in Bereichen der Optik, Fluidik, Tribologie und Medizin, sowie auf einem Ausblick auf die industrielle Skalierbarkeit der LIPSS-Technologie.
Bakterielle Biofilme stellen in medizinischen und industriellen Bereichen ein ernsthaftes Problem dar. Eine der größten gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen liegt in der zunehmenden Resistenz von Bakterien gegen Biozide, die bei antimikrobiellen Behandlungen eingesetzt werden, z.B. durch übermäßigen Einsatz in Medizin, Industrie und Landwirtschaft oder durch Reinigung und Desinfektion in Privathaushalten. Daher sind neue effiziente bakterienabweisende Strategien, die den Einsatz von Bioziden vermeiden, dringend erforderlich.
Ein vielversprechender Weg zur Erzielung bakterienabweisender Oberflächen liegt in der berührungslosen und aseptischen großflächigen Laserbearbeitung von technischen Oberflächen. Maßgeschneiderte Oberflächentexturen, ermöglicht durch verschiedene Laserbearbeitungsstrategien, die zu topographischen Skalen im Bereich von Nanometern bis Mikrometern führen, können eine Lösung für diese Herausforderung darstellen.
In dem Vortrag wird ein Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Technik bei der subtraktiven Texturierung von Laseroberflächen zur Kontrolle der Biofilmbildung bei verschiedenen Bakterienstämmen und in unterschiedlichen Umgebungen gegeben. Auf der Grundlage spezifischer Eigenschaften von Bakterien und laserbearbeiteten Oberflächen werden die Herausforderungen antimikrobieller Oberflächendesigns erörtert und zukünftige Richtungen aufgezeigt.
Der Vortrag gibt einen Überblick über die Erzeugung und Charakterisierung anisotroper Nanostrukturen mittels ultrakurzgepulster Laserstrahlung. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt dabei auf dem Phänomen der sogenannten Laser-induzierten periodischen Oberflächen-Nanostrukturen auf dielektrischen Werkstoffen und ihrer zeitlichen Dynamik. Weitere Beispiele von Volumen-Nanostrukturen aus der Literatur werden diskutiert.
Die Material Acceleration Platform der BAM (MAPz@BAM) bündelt unsere Automatisierungs-Expertise auf dem Gebiet der Materialwissenschaft und -prüfung. Wir entwickeln modulare Experimentmodule, automatische Prüf- und Auswerteverfahren und setzen künstliche Intelligenz für eine effiziente und autonome Versuchsplanung, - vorhersage und Datenanalyse ein.
Die Material Acceleration Platform der BAM (MAPz@BAM) bündelt unsere Automatisierungs-Expertise auf dem Gebiet der Materialwissenschaft und -prüfung. Wir entwickeln modulare Experimentmodule, automatische Prüf- und Auswerteverfahren und setzen künstliche Intelligenz für eine effiziente und autonome Versuchsplanung, - vorhersage und Datenanalyse ein.
Die Material Acceleration Platform der BAM (MAPz@BAM) bündelt unsere Automatisierungs-Expertise auf dem Gebiet der Materialwissenschaft und -prüfung. Wir entwickeln modulare Experimentmodule, automatische Prüf- und Auswerteverfahren und setzen künstliche Intelligenz für eine effiziente und autonome Versuchsplanung, - vorhersage und Datenanalyse ein.
Die Laserbearbeitung von Materialien mit ultrakurzen Laserpulsen kann zu einer sekundären Emission gefährlicher Röntgenstrahlen führen. Dieser Effekt wurde bisher bei der Bearbeitung von technischen Materialien wie Metallen beobachtet. Die Röntgenemission bei der abtragenden Bearbeitung von biologischen Geweben ist noch weitgehend unerforscht. Der Vortrag präsentiert erste Untersuchungen und Ergebnisse des radiologischen Gefährdungspotentials bei der medizinischen Anwendung von Ultrakurzpulslasern am Menschen.
The efficient exploration of novel alloy compositions is crucial for advancing the development of new materials. One widely utilized approach for creating phase diagrams is the use of diffusion-controlled synthesis for gradient alloys. This method is also an effective means for rapidly identifying potential material combinations.
The present study focusses on the exploration of quaternary multi-principle-element alloys (MPEAs) using diffusion multiples. We established a diffusion system by combining an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) with single diffusing elements Mn and Mo. Using ThermoCalc simulations, we determined suitable temperature ranges where we can expect the formation of single-phase alloys. Depending on the diffusion constants of the selected metals, diffusion times were adjusted to obtain diffusion zones with a depth of greater than 50 μm. Microstructural and compositional information was gathered via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and correlated to local mechanical properties evaluated by means of nanoindentation. Local corrosion properties were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM).
Our results indicate that the ThermoCalc simulations have a good predictive power for crystallographic phases. However, especially with the Mn-FeNiCr system, formation of Cr-rich secondary phases were observed, which led to Cr-depletion and thus to localized corrosion processes in the matrix at the vicinity of the secondary phases. Based on the results of the local electrochemical tests, we have selected single-phase compositions along the diffusion zone and synthesized these alloys in bulk for corrosion studies by means of potentiodynamic polarization and SECM.
The presentation will summarize our methodology using diffusion couples as an
efficient tool for exploring compositional spaces of MPEAs in the search for novel single-phase alloys and the results of our correlative study on the mechanical and corrosion properties of these materials.
The efficient exploration of novel alloy chemistries is crucial for advancing the development of new materials. Diffusion-controlled synthesis of gradient alloys is an intelligent approach for creating phase diagrams and to effectively identify potential material combinations with tailored properties.
This project focusses on the design of quaternary multi-principle-element alloys (MPEAs) using diffusion couples. Our diffusion system contains an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) and additional single diffusing elements e.g. Mn and Mo. We determined the optimal temperature ranges for the diffusion thermal treatment by means of ThermoCalc simulations with the aim to form single-phase MPEAs. Microstructure and chemical characterization of the diffusion couples were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). For most alloy couples, the diffusion zone contained a single-phase alloy matrix with diffusion-induced compositional gradient as well as precipitation phases. This heterogeneity makes the diffusion couples interesting materials to investigate local mechanical and corrosion properties. Thus, local corrosion properties were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM). Nanoindentation was used for the analysis of local mechanical properties.
Based on the results of the local corrosion analysis, we have selected single-phase alloy chemistries along the diffusion zone and reproducibly synthesized these alloys in bulk for detailed corrosion studies by means of potentiodynamic polarization and SECM.
The presentation will briefly summarize our methodology and motivation for using diffusion couples as an efficient tool for exploring phase diagrams of MPEAs in the search for new alloy chemistries and the results of our correlative study on the mechanical and corrosion properties of these materials.
Old materials, new life: Using diffusion-controlled synthesis for discovery of novel alloy systems
(2023)
Multi principal element alloy (MPEAs) concept allows us to rethink how we develop application-tailored, sustainable materials. The vast composition space leads to nearly indefinite material combinations and will facilitate finding Pareto optimal materials with lower CO2 footprint and avoidance of critical minerals as design criteria. To probe this large compositional space efficiently, the use high-throughput screening methods is inevitable. Diffusion-controlled synthesis of gradient materials is the optimal technique for screening complex compositional materials that would otherwise require comprehensive modelling or experimental efforts.
In this study, we have used a series of diffusion couples of pure metals and alloys with the aim to create a materials library with correlated data on composition and microstructure. With future recycling prospects in mind, and possible applications of Cu containing alloys in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction and antimicrobial alloys we have generated diffusion couples of brass (Cu63Zn37) and bronze (Cu89Sn11) with either pure metals (Fe, Ni, etc.) or with binary or ternary alloys (FeNi, FeNiCr etc.). For different diffusion times and temperatures, we calculated diffusion constants for the material combinations. Following a detailed characterisation of the gradient materials, we have investigated general and local corrosion properties, electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CRR) as well as mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) on single-phase alloys synthesized in bulk by means of vacuum arc-melting based on the selected local compositions.
In most cases, due to the short diffusion times, the contact between the diffusion couples lead to two separate diffusion zones and thus, different alloy families on both sides. Especially with ternary alloys, interesting selective diffusion processes and unexpected repulsion effects were observed. The presentation will provide an overview of the gradient materials with a focus on the functional properties of single-phase alloy families derived from them.
Due to their favorable mechanical and anti-corrosion properties, medium entropy alloys (MEA) are of high academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering and catalytic applications. Previous studies on general corrosion behavior indicate high current densities at high anodic potentials for MEAs. Further investigations of the underlying transpassive dissolution and local corrosion behavior remain scarce.
To understand the passivation behavior of MEAs CrCoNi and FeCrNi at high anodic potentials, the mechanisms of transpassive dissolution and the oxygen evolution reaction were investigated in this project. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was applied in the interrogative mode for the detection of evolving metal species and oxygen. By means of ICP-MS analysis, dissolved metal species were quantified to provide a fundamental understanding on the transpassive dissolution. As the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) may contribute a large percentile to the observed current at high anodic potentials, SECM measurements were employed to analyze the onset of the OER. Potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and chronoamperometric techniques as well as different electrolytes were used to induce precisely controlled corrosion loads during the SECM experiments and for the ICP-MS analysis. Macroscopic corrosion properties of the alloys, electrical and chemical properties of the passive films were studied by means of potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Finally, the analysis of the corrosion morphology and the potential of the surface before, during and after passivity breakdown was carried out by means of in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). The presentation will summarize our results on the interplay of anodic passivation and oxygen evolution of MEAs in aqueous NaCl electrolytes.
The high-throughput synthesis and characterization of potential material combinations plays an important role in accelerating the development of new materials. Diffusion controlled synthesis of gradient alloys is widely used to create phase diagrams, and it is also one of the most effective combinatorial approaches for rapid realization of potential material combinations.
This study focuses on the synthesis and investigation of the quaternary multi-principle-element alloy (MPEA) FeNiCrMn by means of diffusion multiples, the correlation of their microstructural and chemical characterization data with their application relevant properties like local mechanical and corrosion properties. A diffusion system was set up by combining an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) with a single diffusing metallic component (Mn) with the highest interdiffusion coefficient. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to collect microstructural and compositional information which were correlated to local mechanical properties studied with nanoindentation. Local corrosion properties were investigated by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM). We have observed that a >50 μm deep homogeneous diffusion zone was formed the thickness of which scales with the duration of the thermal treatment. Beyond the Mn-concentration gradient in the FeNiCr matrix, a distinct Cr-rich secondary phase, characterized by high hardness and elastic modulus values appeared. We synthesized MPEAs with selected compositions from the diffusion zone as well as the Cr-rich phase as bulk alloys for electrochemical corrosion studies under different environmental conditions. The presentation will summarize the results of our correlative study on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the quaternary multi-principle-element alloy (MPEA) FeNiCrMn family.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) and their combination with self-ordered microstructures forming hierarchical Spikes enable a large variety of different surface functionalizations for applications in the fields of optics, fluidics, tribology, or medicine. Moreover, high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) provide an appealing and straightforward way for surface nanostructuring featuring spatial periods even below 100 nm – far beyond the optical diffraction limit. However, the imposed surface functionalities are usually caused by both, topographic and chemical surface alterations. For exploring these effects in detail, multi-method characterizations were performed here for HSFL and hierarchical Spikes processed on Ti-6Al-4V alloy upon irradiation with near-infrared ps-laser pulses (1030 nm wavelength, ~1 ps pulse duration, 1 – 400 kHz pulse repetition rate) under different laser and scan processing conditions. The following sample characterization involved morphological and topographical investigations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), stylus profilometry (SP), and white light interference microscopy (WLIM), as well as near-surface chemical analyses by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and depth-profiling time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The results allow to qualify the laser ablation depth, the geometrical HSFL/Spikes characteristics and provide detailed insights into the depth extent and the nature of the ps-laser-induced near-surface oxidation arising from the laser-processing in ambient air and into the relevance of heat-accumulation effects at high pulse repetition rates. Moreover, the direct comparison of the HAXPES and XPS data reveals the role of surface-covering organic contaminants adsorbed from the ambient atmosphere without the uncertainties and potential sputter reduction potentially caused by ion-sputter depth profiling.
Irradiation of solid surfaces with intense ultrashort laser pulses represents a unique way of depositing energy into materials. It allows to realize states of extreme electronic excitation and/or very high temperature and pressure and to drive materials close to and beyond fundamental stability limits. As a consequence, structural changes and phase transitions often occur along unusual pathways and under strongly nonequilibrium conditions. Due to the inherent multiscale nature — both temporally and spatially—of these irreversible processes, their direct experimental observation requires techniques that combine high temporal resolution with the appropriate spatial resolution and the capability to obtain good quality data on a single pulse/event basis. In this respect, fourth-generation light sources, namely, short wavelength and short pulse free electron lasers (FELs), are offering new and fascinating possibilities. As an example, this talk will discuss the results of scattering experiments carried out at the FLASH free electron laser at DESY (Hamburg, Germany), which allowed us to resolve laser-induced structure formation at surfaces on the nanometer to submicron length scale and in temporal regimes ranging from picoseconds to several nanoseconds with sub-picosecond resolution. The current status and future perspectives in this field via exploiting the unique possibilities of these 4th-generation light sources will be discussed.
Thin polymeric films are of great importance of high number of high-tech applications for instance in sensors and nanoelectronics. Form the scientific point of view thin films with thickness below 100 nm are ideal model systems to study confinement effects on its properties for instance on the molecular relaxation processes. In this contribution an overview is presented about the behavior of different systems as investigated by nanosized relaxation spectroscopy like broadband dielectric spectroscopy employing nano structured capacitors and AC chip calorimetry complimented by ellipsometry. The systems considered are PVME1, PVME/PS blends2,3 P2VP4, PBAC5 and polysulfone6. Besides the film also the adsorbed layer on the substrate prepared by a leaching approach and investigated by AFM is considered.1,4-7. For these investigationsss it is found that the adsorbed layer itself exhibits a relaxation dynamics which might be assigned either to molecular motions or to adsorptions desorption kinetics.
Unwanted X-ray emission in ultrashort pulse laser processing: From metallic to biological materials
(2023)
Ultrashort laser pulses have become established in many industrial processes. Additionally, they are also an integral part of medical applications especially in ophthalmology and to some extent in dentistry. The availability of highly repetitive powerful laser sources and advanced laser beam control systems have favored these developments. However, the laser processing may be accompanied by the generation of unwanted X-rays. Small doses per laser pulse can accumulate to significant dose levels at high laser pulse repetition rates. Moreover, burst mode processing increases the X-ray dose rates compared to single pulse use and results in X-ray photon energies up to 40 keV for tungsten targets. For laser treatment of human teeth, clearly noticeable X-ray skin dose rates can be found. The paper summarizes the current state of the art in the field of undesired generation of X-ray radiation during ultrashort pulse laser processing in air.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have gained remarkable attention as they represent a universal phenomenon that is often accompanying laser-processing. Such LIPSS enable a plethora of different surface functionalizations for applications in the fields of optics, fluidics, tribology, or medicine. Due to the inherent multiscale nature of processes involved in LIPSS formation, their in-situ observation requires experimental techniques that combine high temporal resolution with the appropriate spatial resolution. In this respect fourth generation light sources, namely short wavelength, short pulse free electron lasers (FELs) are offering new and fascinating possibilities. This work contribution will discuss the results of scattering experiments carried at the FLASH free electron laser at DESY (Hamburg, Germany), which allowed us to resolve laser-induced structure formation at surfaces on the nm to sub-µm length scale and in temporal regimes ranging from ps to several ns with sub-ps resolution. A ps-optical pump / fs-XUV scattering probe scheme was employed to 100 nm thick laser-excited silicon films, while recording snapshots of the transmitted XUV scattering patterns at various delay times after the laser pulse impact. On timescales ranging from hundred ps until several ns almost quantitative agreement was observed between certain features of the recorded scattering patterns and predictions of the first-principles theory of J.E. Sipe and coworkers. Other scattering features appearing with a delay of ~100 ps and lasting for ~1 ns are attributed to capillary surface waves being excited at the laser-melted film material while ablation proceeds. Our superior spatio-temporal resolution experiments allow to uniquely reveal and distinguish early signatures of coherent/plasmonic electromagnetic scattering effects, separately followed by hydrodynamic matter reorganization.
Die Erzeugung unerwünschter Röntgenstrahlung bei der Ultrakurzpulslaser-Bearbeitung von Cornea und Zahnmaterial wurde untersucht. Laser-induzierte Dosisleistungen über dem natürlichen Hintergrund wurden gemessen. Mögliche Strahlenexpositionen in realen Anwendungen am Menschen wurden im Online-Vortrag diskutiert. Im Rahmen des vom BfS geförderten Projektes haben die Hochschule Mittweida und die BAM gemeinsam Untersuchungen durchgeführt.
Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated in a contactless, single-step process on almost any type of solid upon irradiation with intense laser pulses. They represent a (quasi-)periodic modulation of the surface topography in the form of a linear grating and are typically formed in a “self-ordered” way in the focus of a laser beam. Thus, they are often accompanying laser material processing applications. The structural sizes of LIPSS typically range from several micrometers down to less than 100 nanometers – far beyond the optical diffraction limit – while their orientations exhibit a clear correlation with the local polarization direction of the laser radiation.
From a theoretical point of view, a controversial debate has emerged during the last decades, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects (seeded already during the laser irradiation) – or whether they emerge from matter-reorganization processes (distinctly after the laser irradiation). From a practical point of view, however, LIPSS represent a simple and robust way for the nanostructuring of solids that allows creating a wide range of different surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, tribology, medicine, energy technologies, etc.
This presentation reviews the currently existent theories of LIPSS. A focus is laid on the historic development of the fundamental ideas behind the LIPSS, their corresponding mathematical descriptions and numerical implementations, along with a comparison and critical assessment of the different approaches.
Fourth generation light sources, namely short wavelength, short pulse free electron lasers (FELs) are offering new and fascinating possibilities to resolve laser-induced structure formation at surfaces on the sub-micrometer to nanometer length scale and in temporal regimes ranging from picoseconds to several nanoseconds with sub-picosecond resolution. This unique spatio-temporal resolution allows to reveal early signatures of coherent/plasmonic electromagnetic scattering effects followed by the excitation of hydrodynamic capillary waves – providing new insights to the above-mentioned debate.
Finally, some unsolved scientific problems related to LIPSS are identified and the pending technological limitations are discussed. While the currently available laser and scanner technology already allows large area surface processing with rates at the m2/min level, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes limited by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry. This typically manifests in difficulties to control the processing of LIPSS and in limitations to ensure the long-term stability of the created surface functions. Strategies for overcoming such limitations are outlined.
The presentation reviews the BAM activities in the field of surface processing by ultrashort laser pulses. A focus is laid on the generation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) which allow various surface functionalizations for applications in optics, tribology, liquid management, and medicine.
Ultrakurzpuls-Lasertechnik ist heute der Schlüssel für eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen in der industriellen Lasermaterialbearbeitung. Beim Einsatz hoher Laser-Intensitäten kann allerdings unerwünschte Röntgenstrahlung erzeugt werden. Die Röntgendosis und Energieverteilung ist von Laser-, Material- und Prozessparametern abhängig. Es können Röntgendosen über den erlaubten Grenzwerten für die Exposition des Menschen erreicht werden.
Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS): Mechanisms, Applications, and unsolved Problems
(2022)
Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated in a contactless, single-step process on almost any type of solid upon irradiation with intense laser pulses. They represent a (quasi-)periodic modulation of the surface topography in the form of a linear grating and are typically formed in a “self-ordered” way in the focus of a laser beam. Thus, they are often accompanying laser material processing applications. The structural sizes of LIPSS typically range from several micrometers down to less than 100 nanometers – far beyond the optical diffraction limit – while their orientations exhibit a clear correlation with the local polarization direction of the laser radiation. From a theoretical point of view, a controversial debate has emerged during the last decades, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects (seeded already during the laser irradiation) – or whether they emerge from matter-reorganization processes (distinctly after the laser irradiation). From a practical point of view, however, LIPSS represent a simple and robust way for the nanostructuring of solids that allows creating a wide range of different surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, tribology, medicine, energy technologies, etc. While the currently available laser and scanner technology already allows surface processing rates at the m^2/min level, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes limited by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry. This typically manifests in difficulties to control the processing of LIPSS and in limitations to ensure the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This presentation reviews the currently existent theories of LIPSS. A focus is laid on the historic development of the fundamental ideas behind the LIPSS, their corresponding mathematical descriptions and numerical implementations, along with a comparison and critical assessment of the different approaches. Moreover, some unsolved scientific problems related to LIPSS are identified and the pending technological limitations are discussed. Hereby, it is intended to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry
Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated in a contactless, single-step process on almost any type of solid upon irradiation with intense laser pulses. They represent a (quasi-)periodic modulation of the surface topography in the form of a linear grating and are typically formed in a “self-ordered” way in the focus of a laser beam. Thus, they are often accompanying laser material processing applications. The structural sizes of LIPSS typically range from several micrometers down to less than 100 nanometers – far beyond the optical diffraction limit – while their orientations exhibit a clear correlation with the local polarization direction of the laser radiation. From a theoretical point of view, a controversial debate has emerged during the last decades, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects (seeded already during the laser irradiation) – or whether they emerge from matter-reorganization processes (distinctly after the laser irradiation). From a practical point of view, however, LIPSS represent a simple and robust way for the nanostructuring of solids that allows creating a wide range of different surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, tribology, medicine, energy technologies, etc. While the currently available laser and scanner technology already allows surface processing rates at the m^2/min level, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes limited by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry. This typically manifests in difficulties to control the processing of LIPSS and in limitations to ensure the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This presentation reviews the currently existent theories of LIPSS. A focus is laid on the historic development of the fundamental ideas behind the LIPSS, their corresponding mathematical descriptions and numerical implementations, along with a comparison and critical assessment of the different approaches. Moreover, some unsolved scientific problems related to LIPSS are identified and the pending technological limitations are discussed. Hereby, it is intended to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry.
Spurenelemente spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Verfeinerung der Eigenschaften von komplexen Materialien. Diese Arbeit zeigt die Korrelation zwischen der Mikrostruktur, der Gitterfehlpassung und den Kriecheigenschaften. Die Legierung Al10Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6 (in at. %) mit komplexer Zusammensetzung wurde mit den Elementen Hf und W verstärkt. Die Zugabe von Hf bewirkt eine eckigere Form der würfelförmigen gamma'-Ausscheidungen und einen erhöhten Anteil der Heusler-Phase. Die Zugabe von W wiederum formt die Würfelchen rundlicher und löst die Heusler-Phase auf. Eine Mischung der beiden Spurenelemente zeigt einen Übergang zwischen den beiden Extremen, sowohl in Hinsicht auf die Form der Ausscheidungen als auch in Bezug auf die Gitterfehlpassung und die Kriecheigenschaften.
In this study the so-called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) were produced on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces upon scan processing in air by a Ti:sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser. The tribological performance of the resulting surfaces was qualified in linear reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT) against balls made of different materials (100Cr6 steel/Al2O3/Si3N4) using different oil-based lubricants. The admixture of the additive 2-ethylhexylzinc-dithiophosphate (ZDDP) to a base oil containing only anti-oxidants and temperature stabilizers disclosed the synergy of the additive with the laser-oxidized nanostructures. This interplay between the laser-textured sample topography and the local chemistry in the tribological contact area reduces friction and wear.
The fabrication of laser-generated surface structures on titanium and titanium alloys has recently gained remarkable interests, being technologically relevant for applications in optics, medicine, fluid transport, tribology, and wetting of surfaces. The morphology of these structures, and so their chemistry, is influenced by the different laser processing parameters such as the laser fluence, wavelength, pulse repetition rate, the effective number of laser pulses per beam spot area, etc. A simple way to characterize laser-generated surface structures is by means of optical microscopy (OM) or white light interference microscopy (WLIM). The latter can address the surface topography, while having a lateral resolution limit of ~(lambda)/2 (lambda = illumination wavelength). To resolve morphologies with spatial periods significantly smaller than (lambda)/2, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is often used, taking benefit of the reduced de Broglie wavelength associated to the electrons of several keV energy. However, all the above-mentioned techniques lack the necessary depth-resolution to reveal and quantify sub-surface material modifications of these laser-generated structures. Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) represents a promising surface analytical technique for studying laser-induced chemical surface alterations since the method combines a high surface sensitivity with the capability to perform a depth-profiling of the laser-affected surface zone. In this study we combine WLIM and high-resolution SEM with ToF-SIMS to fully characterize the evolution of various types of laser-generated micro- and nanostructures formed on Ti-6Al-4V alloys upon irradiation by near infrared ultrashort laser pulses (1030 nm, 925 fs) at different laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses, and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz). We show how this combined surface analytical approach allows to evaluate alterations in the surface chemistry and topography of the laser-generated surface structures depending on the laser processing parameters
Due to its large strength-to-weight ratio and excellent biocompatibility, titanium materials are of paramount importance for medical applications, e.g. as implant material for protheses. In this work, the evolution of various types of laser-induced micro- and nanostructures emerging on titanium or titanium alloys upon irradiation by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses (925 fs, 1030 nm) in air environment is studied for various laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz). The morphologies of the processed surfaces were systematically characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM, SEM). Complementary white-light interference microscopy (WLIM) revealed the corresponding surface topographies. Chemical and structural changes were analysed through depth-profiling time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The results point towards a remarkable influence of the laser processing parameters on the surface topography, while simultaneously altering the near-surface chemistry via laser-induced oxidation effects. Consequences for medical applications are outlined.
Using nanofiber-like cell appendages, secreted proteins and sugars, bacteria can establish initial surface contact followed by irreversible adhesion and the formation of multicellular biofilms. Here, the stabilizing extracellular biofilm matrix together with physiological changes on the single cell level leads to an increased resilience towards harsh environmental conditions, antimicrobials, the host immune response and established cleaning procedures. Persistent microbial adhesion on e.g., medical implants, in water supply networks or food-processing industry is often associated with chronic inflammation, nosocomial and foodborne infections, enhanced biofouling and product contamination. To prevent persistent microbial colonization, antibacterial surface strategies often target the initial steps of biofilm formation and impede adhesion of single cells before a mature biofilm is being formed. While chemical coatings have been widely used, their restricted biocompatibility for eukaryotic cells and attenuated antibacterial-effects due to compound release limit their areas of application and alternative strategies focus on modified surfaces topographies to impede bacterial adhesion. In this work, we used ns-UV laser treatment (wavelength 248 nm and a pulse duration of 20 ns) to generate laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) with different submicrometric periods ranging from ~210 to ~610 nm on commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) foils. Following structurally and chemically analyses, PET samples were subjected to bacterial colonization studies with Escherichia coli TG1, a bacterial test strain with a strong biofilm formation capacity due to the formation of nanofiber-like cell-appendages (pili). Bacterial adhesion tests revealed that E. coli repellence decisively depends on the spatial periods of the LIPSS with the strongest reduction (~91%) in cell adhesion observed for LIPSS periods of 214 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and additional biofilm studies using a pili-deficient E. coli TG1 strain revealed the importance of extracellular appendages in the bacterial repellence observed here, thus, pointing out new antibiotics-free strategies for antibacterial surfaces by impeding nanofiber-mediated bacterial adhesion.
The processing of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) represents a simple and robust way for the nanostructuring of solids that allows creating a wide range of surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, tribology, medicine, energy technologies, etc. While the currently available laser and scanner technology already allows surface processing rates at the m2/min level, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes hampered by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry. This typically manifests in difficulties to control the processing of LIPSS and in limitations to ensure the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This presentation aims to identify some unsolved scientific problems related to LIPSS, discusses the pending technological limitations, and sketches the current state of theoretical modelling. Hereby, it is intended to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry.
Die Reduktion von Reibung und Verschleiß in technischen Systemen bietet ein großes Potenzial zur Reduktion von CO2-Emissionen. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert die Erzeugung und tribologische Charakterisierung von Ultrakurzpuls-generierten Nano- und Mikrostrukturen auf Metallen (Stahl, Titan). Besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei auf die Rolle der laserinduzierten Oxidschicht im Zusammenspiel mit verschleißreduzierenden Additiven in ölbasierten Schmiermitteln gerichtet.
Ultrashort pulse laser micromachining at repetition rates of several hundreds of kHz allows a cost-effective high precision manufacturing, which makes this method attractive for many industrial applications. Upon exceeding a critical laser intensity, hard X-ray radiation is generated as a side effect. Even if the emitted X-ray dose per laser pulse is low, for currently available high-repetition-rate laser systems the accumulated X-ray dose becomes significant and radiation safety must be considered. Influences of the processing parameters are discussed and radiation protection aspects will be outlined
Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated in a contactless, single-step process on almost any material upon irradiation of solids with intense laser radiation. Nowadays, processing rates of up to m^2/min are enabling new industrial applications in medicine, optics, tribology, biology, etc. Depending on the specific type of LIPSS, their structural sizes typically range from several micrometers down to less than 100 nanometers – far beyond the optical diffraction limit – while their orientations exhibit a clear correlation with the local polarization direction of the laser radiation. From a theoretical point of view, however, a controversial and vivid debate has emerged during the last two decades, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects (seeded already during the laser irradiation) – or whether they emerge from matter reorganization processes, i.e. distinctly after the laser irradiation. This presentation reviews the currently existent theories of LIPSS. A focus is laid on the historic development of the fundamental ideas, their corresponding mathematical descriptions and numerical implementations, along with a comparison and critical assessment of the different approaches.
Influence of oxidation in the formation and performance of laser-induced periodic surface structures
(2022)
The fabrication of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) has been reported for metallic, semiconductor and dielectric materials when irradiated with linearly polarized ultrashort laser pulses. Different sets of processing parameters have been identified and extensively studied, allowing the use of LIPSS for applications in medicine, tribology and surface wetting to name a few. One important parameter that is often not considered is the laser-induced oxidation that is produced especially when oxidation prone materials are irradiated in air environment. This surface oxidation can potentially influence the final structures
size, shape and orientation and modify their functionality in some specific applications.
In this work, we first study the influence of the laser-induced oxidation layer on the formation of LIPSS by characterizing the response of the oxidation prone
hard-coating material chromium nitride. Moreover, we employ complementary surface and depth-profiling analytic techniques to reveal morphological, chemical and structural features of different types of surface structures and LIPSS produced on titanium-based substrates. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations finally explain how this superficial oxidation layer promotes the formation of a new type of low spatial frequency LIPSS. Also, we measure the depth-extent of the different oxides formed and demonstrate its beneficial influence for friction reduction and wear resistance applications.
The performance of functional coatings relies strongly on the stability of the polymer-metal interface. The increasing utilization of multi-material structures in the automotive and aerospace industry necessitates a fundamental understanding of the processes leading to interface degradation for the development of novel strategies to increase corrosion and delamination resistance.
The aim of this project is to investigate the corrosion processes at the buried interface of thin film coated aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 under corrosive and coupled corrosive-mechanical load. A spin coating procedure was developed to synthesize epoxy-like coatings and their nanofiller loaded composites with controlled thickness by layer-by-layer deposition of poly[(o-cresyl glycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde] and poly-(ethylenimine) bi-layers. Our results indicate that the incorporation of graphene into the epoxy-based coatings leads to the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties. Furthermore, the functional groups play important roles in the interfacial bonding between polymer matrix and the nanofillers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results indicate very homogeneous and dense films with a thickness of ~25 nm per bi-layer and the successful integration of the nanofillers into the composite coatings. Ellipsometry measurements of film thickness verified a proportional film growth with the number of deposited layers.
The degradation and delamination behavior of the coating systems was characterized by means of in situ AFM corrosion experiments. Complementary energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was used to correlate the corrosion and delamination behavior with the different intermetallic particle chemistries and distributions. The presentation will summarize our results on the effect of coating composition and build-up on the local corrosion processes on thin film covered AA2024-T3 aluminium alloys.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of Chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of Chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in two different electrolyte systems (NaCl and H2SO4 c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. To analyze the semiconducting properties of the passive film Mott-Schottky analysis was conducted.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX, ICP-MS and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize some of our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
In recent years, the fabrication of laser-generated surface structures on metals such as titanium surfaces have gained remarkable interests, being technologically relevant for applications in optics, medicine, fluid transport, tribology, and wetting of surfaces.
The morphology of these structures, and so their chemistry, is influenced by the different laser processing parameters such as the laser fluence, wavelength, pulse repetition rate, laser light polarization type and direction, angle of incidence, and the effective number of laser pulses per beam spot area.
However, the characterization of the different surface structures can be difficult because of constraints regarding the analytical information from both depth and the topographic artifacts which may limit the lateral and depth resolution of elemental distributions as well as their proper quantification. A promising technique to investigate these structures even at the nano-scale is Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), a very surface sensitive technique that at the same time allows to perform depth-profiling, imaging and 3D-reconstruction of selected ion-sputter fragment distributions on the surface.
In this study we combine chemical analyses such as Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses with ToF-SIMS to fully characterize the evolution of various types of laser-generated micro- and nanostructures formed on Ti and Ti alloys at different laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz), following irradiation by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses (925 fs, 1030 nm) in air environment or under argon gas flow.
We show how this combined surface analytical approach allows to evaluate alteration in the surface chemistry of the laser-generated surface structures depending on the laser processing parameters and the ambient environment.
Crystalline Silicon undergoes a complex phase-change dynamic of melting, amorphization, ablation and re-crystallization upon irradiation with high intensity ultra-short laser pulses [1]. The final state of such a modified surface spot depends on many factors, most notably the local fluence and the surface’s crystal orientation. In this study, we induced superficial structure and phase changes in Silicon <111> and <100> wafers using single femtosecond laser pulses (790 nm, 30 fs) for a range of different peak fluences. The resulting surface modifications were studied in great detail using a number of different techniques, including spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry (SIE), atomic force microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy within scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-EDX).
Playing a pivotal role in this work, SIE provided non-destructive measurements for the calculation of the radial amorphous layer-thickness profiles of the irradiated spots using a two-layer thin-film model (Silicon dioxide and amorphous Silicon on a crystalline Silicon substrate). The measurements further allowed for the analysis of the oxide-layer modifications induced by the laser treatment. The results of the SIE-calculations were cross-checked by an in-depth material lamella via HRTEM and STEM-EDX.
The latest ICP-MS technology - ICP-ToF (time of flight)-MS – enables the analysis of the multi-element fingerprint of individual cells. The interface between material and environmental analysis thus receives special attention, e.g., when considering corrosion processes. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a highly unpredictable phenomenon due to the influence of the environment, microbial communities involved and the respective electron source. However, the interaction pathway between cells and the metal surface remains unclear. The development of the MIC-specific ICP-ToF-MS analytical method presented here at the single cell level, in combination with the investigation of steel-MIC interactions, contributes significantly to progress in instrumental MIC analysis and will enable clarification of the processes taking place. For this, a MIC-specific staining procedure was developed. It allows the analysis of archaea at a single cell level and provides information about the interaction of the cells with the staining agent which is extremely scarce compared to other well characterized organisms. Additionally, the single cell ICP-ToF-MS is used for the analysis of archaea involved in MIC of steel. Hence, the possible uptake of individual elements from different steel samples is investigated - the information obtained will be used in the future to elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop possible material protection concepts, thus combining modern methods of analytical sciences with materials.
The use of ultrashort laser pulses for material processing in air has many advantages. Due to the progressive development in the laser sector, average powers in the kW range with pulse repetition rates exceeding the MHz-level are available. The machining with high-intensity laser pulses can be accompanied by the generation of a near-surface electron plasma due to absorption and ionization of the material, a subsequent plasma heating by the laser pulse, and finally an interaction of “hot” plasma electrons with the workpiece leading to continuous and characteristic X-ray radiation. The amount of this unwanted X-ray radiation is determined by the laser parameters (pulse duration, intensity, wavelength, polarization), the workpiece (atomic number, surface preparation), and the laser process management (scanning or stationary regime, laser turning). The use of laser intensities above 10^13 W/cm^2 in combination with laser pulse repetition rates in the few 100 kHz-range can lead to X-ray dose rates exceeding the permitted X-ray limits for members of the public. Especially the materials tungsten and steel show significant X-ray emission. Recently, the current state of the art in the field of undesired generation of X-ray radiation during ultrashort pulse laser processing in air was reviewed. In this presentation, important aspects of the measured X-ray doses, X-ray spectra, and practical issues of radiation protection are discussed.
Silicon is the material responsible for most of the technological developments during the past century, making it one of the most studied materials along different disciplines. However, there are still unturned stones regarding its superficial re-solidification after femtosecond laser-induced local melting. In this presentation, we report irradiation experiments with single femtosecond pulses (790 nm, 30 fs) with a spatially Gaussian distribution on two different types of silicon with orientations <111> and <100>. The surface modifications were studied in detail via different techniques, including optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. We quantitatively estimate the resulting radial amorphous layer depth profiles with maximum thicknesses around some tenths of nanometers for fluences in between the melting and ablation thresholds. In particular, spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry (SIE) allowed fast data acquisition using multiple wavelengths to provide experimental measurements for calculating the nanometric radial amorphous layer thickness profiles with micrometric lateral resolution based on a thin-film layer model. SIE proved to be capable of detecting and measuring nanometric structural and chemical modifications (oxidation) on the studied laser spots. The accuracy of the SIE-based calculations is verified experimentally by characterizing an in-depth material lamella via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDX). For completeness, we present a mathematical modelling for the melt layer thickness considering different optical absorption processes including one photon absorption, two photon absorption and free-carrier absorption, highlighting the relevance of the latter one in the femtosecond laser-induced melting of silicon.
Using nanofiber-like cell appendages, secreted proteins and sugars, bacteria can establish initial surface contact followed by irreversible adhesion and the formation of multicellular biofilms, often with enhanced resistance towards antimicrobial treatment and established cleaning procedures. On e.g. medical implants, in water supply networks or food-processing industry, biofilms can be a fertile source of bacterial pathogens and are repeatedly associated with persisting, nosocomial and foodborne infections. Nowadays, the emergence of resistances because of extensive usage of antibiotics and biocides in medicine, agriculture and private households have become one of the most important medical challenges with considerable economic consequences. In addition, aggravated biofilm eradication and prolonged cell-surface interaction can lead to increased biodeterioration and undesired modification of industrial and medical surface materials. Various strategies are currently developed, tested, and improved to realize anti-bacterial surface properties through surface functionalization steps avoiding antibiotics.
In this study, contact-less and aseptic large-area short or ultrashort laser processing is employed to generate different surface structures in the nanometer- to micrometer-scale on technical materials such as titanium-alloy and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The laser processed surfaces were subjected to bacterial colonization studies with Escherichia coli test strains and analyzed with reflected-light and epi-fluorescence microscopy. Depending on the investigated surfaces, different bacterial adhesion patterns were found, ranging from bacterial-repellent to bacterial-attractant effects. The results suggest an influence of size, shape and cell appendages of the bacteria and – above all – the laser-processed nanostructure of the surface itself, emphasizing the potential of laser-processing as a versatile tool to control bacterial surface adhesion.