Characterization of regular periodic surface structure by multi-pulse laser irradiation of a Zinc target

Abstract

The circular-like sidewall and trench around the periphery of the crater are obtained on Zinc metal surface subjected to fewer than 200 cumulative pulses laser ablation. These patterns can be attributed to the higher secondary heating by regular plasma spherical pressure. The 600 pulses laser ablation, however, results in the formation of undesirable bulk wrinkles of super-heated liquid at the side of the trench. These features may be applied in micro-manufacturing of high localizability and selectivity using laser zone texturing. © 2012 Chinese Optics Letters.