Abstract

Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) have gained considerable attention due to their potential applications in optics, adhesion and tribology. The mechanisms responsible for ripple formation are still under debate today. Examples include interference between the laser beam and the surface scattered wave, [1] excitation of surface plasmon polaritons [2] and self-organisation. [3] LIPSS were generated on the surface of Platinum Stainless Steel (Pt:SS) to increase the surface area and to study the physical and biological performance of the material. Platinum based alloys are useful due to their resistance to high melting temperatures and corrosion. LIPSS were investigated in this study by applying femtosecond pulses with a 500 fs pulse duration at high repetition rates to a Pt:SS surface, with a roughness value of 2.9 ± 0.2 nm. LIPSS structures were formed by exposure to laser radiation slightly above the threshold fluence. LIPSS features were characterized using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (XPS).

© 2015 IEEE