Ultrafast dynamics of femtosecond laser-induced high spatial frequency periodic structures on silicon surfaces

Femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures(LIPSS)have been extensively studied over the past few decades.In particular,the period and groove width of high-spatial-frequency LIPSS(HSFL)is much smaller than the diffraction limit,making it a useful method for efficient nanomanufacturing.However,compared with the low-spatial-frequency LIPSS(LSFL),the structure size of the HSFL is smaller,and it is more easily submerged.Therefore,the formation mechanism of HSFL is complex and has always been a research hotspot in this field.In this study,regular LSFL with a period of 760 nm was fabricated in advance on a silicon surface with two-beam interference using an 800 nm,50 fs femtosecond laser.The ultrafast dynamics of HSFL formation on the silicon surface of prefabricated LSFL under single femtosecond laser pulse irradiation were observed and analyzed for the first time using collinear pump-probe imaging method.In general,the evolution of the surface structure undergoes five sequential stages:the LSFL begins to split,becomes uniform HSFL,degenerates into an irregular LSFL,undergoes secondary splitting into a weakly uniform HSFL,and evolves into an irregular LSFL or is submerged.The results indicate that the local enhancement of the submerged nanocavity,or the nanoplasma,in the prefabricated LSFL ridge led to the splitting of the LSFL,and the thermodynamic effect drove the homogenization of the splitting LSFL,which evolved into HSFL.

Experimental Study of Static Contact-angle on Peak-like Microstructural Surfaces Produced by PIII Technology

Plasma immersion ion implantation(PIII) was used to fabricate micro/nano structures on monocrystalline Si surfaces with different ratios of mixed gases(SF_6/O_2). The micro/nano structures on the surfaces of the sample were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and atomic force microscopy(AFM). The results showed that with increasing ratio of mixed gases(SF_6/O_2), the height of the micro/nano structures first increased and then decreased. Contact-angle measurements indicated that the surfaces' micro/nano structures have an obvious effect on the contact-angle, and could cause a change in surface wettability. The theoretical analysis of contact-angle showed that the Wenzel and Cassie theories cannot predict the contact-angle of a roughened surface accurately, and should be corrected for practical applications using an actual model. Moreover, the contact-angle first increased and then decreased with increasing ratio of mixed gases(SF_6/O_2), which is in accordance with the change of the height of micro/nano structures.

Structural transformation of Ge dimers on Ge(001) surfaces induced by bias voltage

Scanning tunnelling microscopy is utilized to investigate the local bias voltage tunnelling dependent transformation between （2×1） and c（4×2） structures on Ge（001） surfaces, which is reversibly observed at room temperature and a critical bias voltage of -0.80 V. Similar transformation is also found on an epitaxial Ce islands but at a slightly different critical bias voltage of -1.00V. It is found that the interaction between the topmost atoms on the STM tip and the atoms of the dimers, and the pinning effect induced by Sb atoms, the nacancies or the epitaxial clusters, can drive the structural transformation at the critical bias voltage.

3D Printing of Tough Hydrogel Scaffolds with Functional Surface Structures for Tissue Regeneration

Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.

Structural Characteristics and Eco-adaptability of Heteromorphic Leaves of Populus euphratica

The microstructural and ultrastructural traits of three kinds of typical leaves of Populus euphratica Olive, including lanceolate, broad-ovate and dentate broad-ovate leaves, were studied by using electron microscope and optical microscope. The re- sults showed that with the leaves changing from lanceolate shape to dentate broad-ovate shape, their structure obviously tended to be xeromorph: developed palisade tissue, undeveloped spongy tissue, thick cutin layer and sunken stomas. The amount of mitochondria tended to be increased, and the shape of chloroplasts varied from regular spindle to irregular rotundity or oval. The leaves were cov- ered with wax without cilium, and the stomas on the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves opened unevenly. The stomas on the lower epidermis were deeper than those on the upper epidermis under the scanning electron microscope. The results implied that the structural characteristics of the diversiform-leaves of P. euphratica are related to its eco-adaptability.

Droplet impact on wetted structured surfaces

In this study,we numerically investigate the droplet impact onto a thin liquid film deposited on a structured surface with square pillars and cavities.The time evolution of crown geometry is strongly affected by the surface structure.When the thickness of the liquid film is larger than the structure height,the expanding speed of the crown base radius is independent of the structure width.However,if the liquid film thickness is equal to the structure height,the crown base expands slower as the structure width increases.Surface structures have strong effects on the crown height and radius,and can prevent ejected filament from breaking into satellite droplets for certain cases.For the liquid film with the thickness equal to the pillar height,both the crown height and the radius exhibit non-monotonic behaviors as the pillar width increases.There exists one pillar width which produces the smallest crown height and the largest crown radius.

Laser-based bionic manufacturing

Over millions of years of natural evolution,organisms have developed nearly perfect structures and functions.The self-fabrication of organisms serves as a valuable source of inspiration for designing the next-generation of structural materials,and is driving the future paradigm shift of modern materials science and engineering.However,the complex structures and multifunctional integrated optimization of organisms far exceed the capability of artificial design and fabrication technology,and new manufacturing methods are urgently needed to achieve efficient reproduction of biological functions.As one of the most valuable advanced manufacturing technologies of the 21st century,laser processing technology provides an efficient solution to the critical challenges of bionic manufacturing.This review outlines the processing principles,manufacturing strategies,potential applications,challenges,and future development outlook of laser processing in bionic manufacturing domains.Three primary manufacturing strategies for laser-based bionic manufacturing are elucidated:subtractive manufacturing,equivalent manufacturing,and additive manufacturing.The progress and trends in bionic subtractive manufacturing applied to micro/nano structural surfaces,bionic equivalent manufacturing for surface strengthening,and bionic additive manufacturing aiming to achieve bionic spatial structures,are reported.Finally,the key problems faced by laser-based bionic manufacturing,its limitations,and the development trends of its existing technologies are discussed.

Mg anode interface engineering in KNO_(3) electrolyte with sodium 5-sulfosalicylate as an additive for enhanced performance of Mg-air batteries

The Mg-air batteries face limitations with pronounced hydrogen evolution and low anodic utilization efficiency from Mg anodes in conventional NaCl electrolytes.The corrosion performance,surface composition,and discharge properties of commercial purity Mg anodes were thoroughly investigated in KNO_(3)electrolytes with and without sodium 5-sulfosalicylate and compared to NaCl electrolyte.The addition of sodium 5-sulfosalicylate to KNO_(3)-based electrolyte results in efficient inhibition of H_(2)evolution,consequently enhancing anodic utilization efficiency to 84%and specific capacity to 1844 mAh/g,compared to NaCl(24%and 534 mAh/g,respectively)under discharge condition of 10 mA/cm^(2)in half cell.Furthermore,the chelating ability of sodium 5-sulfosalicylate can significantly improve the Mg surface dissolution kinetics and discharge product deposition rate at the Mg anode/electrolyte interface,yielding formation of a thinner discharge layer as confirmed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.The discharge voltage is increased to 1.60 V,compared to 1.35 V in KNO_(3)at 0.5 mA/cm^(2)in full cell.However,higher concentration of sodium 5-sulfosalicylate can accelerate Mg anode dissolution,impeding the improvement of anodic utilization efficiency,specific capacity,and energy density.Hence,determining optimal additive concentration and current density is crucial for enhancing the discharge properties of Mg-air batteries and mitigating excessive Mg dissolution in chloride-free electrolytes.

Structure characterization of the oxide film on FGH96 superalloy powders with various oxidation degrees

The structure of the oxide film on FGH96 alloy powders significantly influences the mechanical properties of superalloys.In this study,FGH96 alloy powders with various oxygen contents were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic probe technology to elucidate the structure evolution of the oxide film.Energy dispersive spectrometer analysis revealed the presence of two distinct components in the oxide film of the alloy powders:amorphous oxide layer covering the γ matrix and amorphous oxide particles above the carbide.The alloying elements within the oxide layer showed a laminated distribution,with Ni,Co,Cr,and Al/Ti,which was attributed to the decreasing oxygen equilibrium pressure as oxygen diffused from the surface into the γ matrix.On the other hand,Ti enrichment was observed in the oxide particles caused by the oxidation and decomposition of the carbide phase.Comparative analysis of the oxide film with oxygen contents of 140,280,and 340 ppm showed similar element distributions,while the thickness of the oxide film varies approximately at 9,14,and 30 nm,respectively.These findings provide valuable insights into the structural analysis of the oxide film on FGH96 alloy powders.

Controlled Twill Surface Structure Endowing Nanofiber Composite Membrane Excellent Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Inspired by the Chinese Knotting weave structure,an electromagnetic interference(EMI)nanofiber composite membrane with a twill surface was prepared.Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene)(Pva-co-PE)nanofibers and twill nylon fabric were used as the matrix and filter templates,respectively.A Pva-co-PEMXene/silver nanowire(Pva-co-PE-MXene/AgNW,PM_(x)Ag)membrane was successfully prepared using a template method.When the MXene/AgNW content was only 7.4 wt%(PM_(7.4)Ag),the EMI shielding efficiency(SE)of the composite membrane with the oblique twill structure on the surface was 103.9 dB and the surface twill structure improved the EMI by 38.5%.This result was attributed to the pre-interference of the oblique twill structure in the direction of the incident EM wave,which enhanced the probability of the electromagnetic waves randomly colliding with the MXene nanosheets.Simultaneously,the internal reflection and ohmic and resonance losses were enhanced.The PM_(7.4)Ag membrane with the twill structure exhibited both an outstanding tensile strength of 22.8 MPa and EMI SE/t of 3925.2 dB cm^(-1).Moreover,the PM_(x)Ag nanocomposite membranes demonstrated an excellent thermal management performance,hydrophobicity,non-flammability,and performance stability,which was demonstrated by an EMI SE of 97.3%in a high-temperature environment of 140℃.The successful preparation of surface-twill composite membranes makes it difficult to achieve both a low filler content and a high EMI SE in electromagnetic shielding materials.This strategy provides a new approach for preparing thin membranes with excellent EMI properties.

Review on the Fabrication of Surface Functional Structures for Enhancing Bioactivity of Titanium and Titanium Alloy Implants

Titanium and its alloys have been widely applied in many biomedical fields because of its excellent mechanical properties,corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility.However,problems such as rejection,shedding and infection will occur after titanium alloy implantation due to the low biological activity of titanium alloy surface.The structures with specific functions,which can enhance osseointegration and antibacterial properties,are fabricated on the surface of titanium implants to improve the biological activity between the titanium implants and human tissues.This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent developments and applications of surface functional structure in titanium and titanium alloy implants.The applications of surface functional structure on different titanium and titanium alloy implants are introduced,and their manufacturing technologies are summarized and compared.Furthermore,the fabrication of various surface functional structures used for titanium and titanium alloy implants is reviewed and analyzed in detail.Finally,the challenges affecting the development of surface functional structures applied in titanium and titanium alloy implants are outlined,and recommendations for future research are presented.

Tuning the surface electronic structure of noble metal aerogels to promote the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is the bottleneck for various electrochemical energy conversion devices.Regulating the electronic structure of electrocatalysts by ligands has received particular attention in deriving valid ORR electrocatalysts.Here,the surface electronic structure of Ptbased noble metal aerogels(NMAs)was modulated by various organic ligands,among which the electron-withdrawing ligand of 4-methylphenylene effectively boosted the ORR electrocatalysis.Theoretical calculations suggested the smaller energy barrier for the transformation of O^(*) to OH^(*) and downshift the d-band center of Pt due to the interaction between 4-methylphenylene and the surface metals,thus enhancing the ORR intrinsic activity.Both Pt3Ni and Pt Pd aerogels with 4-methylphenylene decoration performed significant enhancement in ORR activity and durability in different media.Remarkably,the 4-methylphenylene modified Pt Pd aerogel exhibited the higher halfwave potential of 0.952 V and the mass activity of 10.2 times of commercial Pt/C.This work explained the effect of electronic structure on ORR electrocatalytic properties and would promote functionalized NMAs as efficient ORR electrocatalysts.

The Formation of Colored Film on Stainless Steel and the Study for Surface Structure

This paper discusses the coloration process on the stainless steel and the properties of the film. The compositions, morphology and structure of colored films on stainless steel are studied by using SEM,AES,AFM,STM. The diffusion controlled mechanisms of films and calculation formula of surface electropotential difference are discussed.

Investigation on the Antitumor Activity of Organotin Compound

Changes in the surface structure of cell membrane and the contents of membrane pro- teins and nuclear DNA of human gastric cancer (BGC-823) cells treated with organotin compound (Et_2SnCl_2phen) were studied with a scanning electron microscope (SEM),a scanning tunneling,micro- scope (STM),and a cytofluorophotometer.It was found that Et_2SnCl_2Phen not only inhibited the cell growth but also remarkably changed the surface structure of the membrane of cancer cells.The surface of Et_2SnCl_2phen treated cancer cells was relatively smooth and showed fewer microvilli under SEM. STM images showed an uneven and loose distribution of the surface of the cell.In comparison with the untreated cancer cells,there was an evident decrease in the content of membrane proteins and nuclear DNA in Et_2SnCl_2phen treated cells.

Laser cleaning of steel structure surface for paint removal and repaint adhesion

Paint removal from steel structure is executed for shipyards of marine and offshore engineering.Due to environmental unfriendliness and unhealthy drawbacks of sand blasting technique, laser ablation technique is proposed as a substituting method.By absorbing high energy of the 1064 nm pulsed laser, the paint is vaporized quickly.The ablated debris is then collected by using a suction pump.Initial metal surface of the steel is exposed when laser beam irradiates perpendicularly and scans over it.The cleaned surface fulfills the requirements of surface preparation standards ISO 8501 of SA2.The adhesion is further characterized with pull-off test after carrying out painting with Jotamastic 87 aluminum paint.The repainting can be embedded onto the laser cleaned surface to bond much more tightly.The excellent adhesion strength of 20 MPa between repainted coating and the substrate is achieved, which is higher than what is required by shipyards applications.

Experimental study on the microstructure and nanomechanicai properties of the wing membrane of dragonfly

Detailed investigations on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the wing membrane of the dragonfly are carried out. It is found that in the direction of the thickness the membrane was divided into three layers rather than a single entity as traditionally considered, and on the surfaces the membrane displays a random distribution rough microstructure that is composed of numerous nanometer scale columns coated by the cuticle wax secreted. The characteristics of the surface structure are measured and described. The mechanical properties of the membranes taken separately from the wings of live and dead dragonflies are investigated by the nanoindentation technique. The Young＇s moduli obtained here are approximately two times greater than the previous result, and the reasons that yield the difference are discussed.

An automatic grid generation approach over free-form surface for architectural design

An essential step for the realization of free-form surface structures is to create an efficient structural gird that satisfies not only the architectural aesthetics,but also the structural performance.Employing the main stress trajectories as the representation of force flows on a free-form surface,an automatic grid generation approach is proposed for the architectural design.The algorithm automatically plots the main stress trajectories on a 3D free-form surface,and adopts a modified advancing front meshing technique to generate the structural grid.Based on the proposed algorithm,an automatic grid generator named "St-Surmesh" is developed for the practical architectural design of free-form surface structure.The surface geometry of one of the Sun Valleys in Expo Axis for the Expo Shanghai 2010 is selected as a numerical example for validating the proposed approach.Comparative studies are performed to demonstrate how different structural grids affect the design of a free-form surface structure.

Large-area straight,regular periodic surface structures produced on fused silica by the interference of two femtosecond laser beams through cylindrical lens

Inhomogeneity and low efficiency are two important factors that limit the application of laser-induced periodic surface structures(LIPSSs),especially on glass surfaces.In this study,two-beam interference(TBI)of femtosecond lasers was used to produce large-area straight LIPSSs on fused silica using cylindrical lenses.Compared with those produced us-ing a single circular or cylindrical lens,the LIPSSs produced by TBI are much straighter and more regular.Depending on the laser fluence and scanning velocity,LIPSSs with grating-like or spaced LIPSSs are produced on the fused silica sur-face.Their structural colors are blue,green,and red,and only green and red,respectively.Grating-like LIPSS patterns oriented in different directions are obtained and exhibit bright and vivid colors,indicating potential applications in surface coloring and anti-counterfeiting logos.

Experimental Study on Wear Performance and Oil Film Characteristics of Surface Textured Cylinder Liner in Marine Diesel Engine

It is of a vital importance to reduce the frictional losses in marine diesel engines. Advanced surface textures have provided an e ective solution to friction performance of rubbing pairs due to the rapid development of surface engineering techniques. However,the mechanisms through which textured patterns and texturing methods prove beneficial remains unclear. To address this issue,the tribological system of the cylinder liner?piston ring(CLPR) is investigated in this work. Two types of surface textures(Micro concave,Micro V?groove) are processed on the cylinder specimen using di erent processing methods. Comparative study on the friction coe cients,worn surface texture features and oil film characteristics are performed. The results demonstrate that the processing method of surface texture a ect the performance of the CLPR pairs under the specific testing conditions. In addition the micro V?groove processed by CNCPM is more favorable for improving the wear performances at the low load,while the micro?con?cave processed by CE is more favorable for improving the wear performances at the high load. These findings are in helping to understand the e ect of surface texture on wear performance of CLPR.

Two-dimensional laser-induced periodic surface structures formed on crystalline silicon by GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses

Femtosecond laser pulses with GHz burst mode that consist of a series of trains of ultrashort laser pulses with a pulse interval of several hundred picoseconds offer distinct features in material processing that cannot be obtained by the conventional irradiation scheme of femtosecond laser pulses(single-pulse mode).However,most studies using the GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses focus on ablation of materials to achieve high-efficiency and high-quality material removal.In this study,we explore the ability of the GHz burst mode femtosecond laser processing to form laser-induced periodic surface structures(LIPSS)on silicon.It is well known that the direction of LIPSS formed by the single-pulse mode with linearly polarized laser pulses is typically perpendicular to the laser polarization direction.In contrast,we find that the GHz burst mode femtosecond laser(wavelength:1030 nm,intra-pulse duration:220 fs,intra-pulse interval time(intra-pulse repetition rate):205 ps(4.88 GHz),burst pulse repetition rate:200 kHz)creates unique two-dimensional(2D)LIPSS.We regard the formation mechanism of 2D LIPSS as the synergetic contribution of the electromagnetic mechanism and the hydrodynamic mechanism.Specifically,generation of hot spots with highly enhanced electric fields by the localized surface plasmon resonance of subsequent pulses in the bursts within the nanogrooves of one-dimensional LIPSS formed by the preceding pulses creates 2D LIPSS.Additionally,hydrodynamic instability including convection flow determines the final structure of 2D LIPSS.