Laser-based microstructuring of materials surfaces using low-cost microlens arrays

Daniel Nieto; G. Vara; J. A. Diez; Gerard M. O`Connor; Justo Arines; C. Gómez-Reino; M. Flores-Arias

doi:10.1117/12.908061

6 February 2012 Laser-based microstructuring of materials surfaces using low-cost microlens arrays

Daniel Nieto, G. Vara, J. A. Diez, Gerard M. O`Connor, Justo Arines, C. Gómez-Reino, M. Flores-Arias

Proceedings Volume 8248, Micromachining and Microfabrication Process Technology XVII; 82480K (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.908061
Event: SPIE MOEMS-MEMS, 2012, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Since frictional interactions in microscopically small components are becoming increasingly important for the development of new products for all modern technology, we present a laser-based technique for micro-patterning surfaces of materials using low-cost microlens arrays. The microlens used were fabricated on soda-lime glass using a laser direct-write technique, followed by a thermal treatment into an oven. By combining laser direct-write and the thermal treatment it was possible to obtain high quality elements using a low cost infrared laser widely implemented in industry which makes this technique attractive in comparison with other more expensive methods. The main advantage of using microlens arrays for micropatterning surfaces is the possibility of fabricating a large number of identical structures simultaneously, leading to a highly efficient process. In order to study the capabilities of the microlens fabricated for microstructuring materials, identical structures and arrays of holes were fabricated over a variety of materials, such us, stainless steel, polymer and ceramic. The minimum diameter of the individual microstructure generated at surface is 5 μm. Different nanosecond lasers operating at Infrared, Green and UV were used. The topography and morphology of the elements obtained were determined using a confocal microscope SENSOFAR 2300 Plμ.

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Daniel Nieto, G. Vara, J. A. Diez, Gerard M. O`Connor, Justo Arines, C. Gómez-Reino, and M. Flores-Arias "Laser-based microstructuring of materials surfaces using low-cost microlens arrays", Proc. SPIE 8248, Micromachining and Microfabrication Process Technology XVII, 82480K (6 February 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.908061

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