Fraunhofer Group for Light & SurfacesHannover Messe
Hannover Messe 2019: High-precision surface structuring using ultra-short pulsed laser radiation
In order to specifically influence surface properties such as haptics or adhesion, surface structures can be modified using ultra-short pulsed laser radiation. The production of functional surfaces, as they are used in the medical or biotechnical field, can be achieved by high-precision, periodic nanostructuring of the surfaces. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology, such nanostructures for functional surfaces are generated using ultra-short pulsed laser radiation, which also produces aesthetically pleasing surface effects.
The visible color spectrum, between 400 nm and 650 nm, is a section of the electromagnetic spectrum in which the individual spectral components are perceived as color by the human eye. If the spectrum of a light source hits a micro- or nanostructured surface, this spectrum is divided into different parts, so that different colors are perceived depending on the viewing angle and even a deep blacken effect can be produced. Defined structures on surfaces can be generated by ultra-short pulsed laser radiation, whereby only specific parts of the color spectrum are reflected or absorbed. In contrast to color pigments, these microstructures do not fade and a long-term stable color effect is created.
Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS)
Statistical, self-organizing structures, also known as Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS), result from an electromagnetic excitation of the surface by the electromagnetic field of the laser pulse. Depending on wavelength and material, structure sizes in the range between 400 nm and 1 µm can be generated. Section by section different structure patterns can be applied, which appear under a defined viewing angle in a defined color, matt or deep black. By a targeted arrangement of different structure sections any images with color effects can be generated.
The Fraunhofer ILT develops processes and builds system technology components for the application-specific structuring of surfaces of a wide variety of materials.
The range of services includes market-oriented R&D services for nanostructuring, market and feasibility studies, design and simulation tasks as well as comprehensive consulting. At the Hannover Messe (Hall6, Booth A30), the Fraunhofer ILT presents a series of micro- and nanostructures manufactured using ultra-short pulsed laser radiation as part of the Fraunhofer Group for Light & Surfaces.
The Fraunhofer Group for Light & Surfaces
Further information about the Hannover Messe 2019 and on the exhibits by the Fraunhofer Light & Surfaces Group can be received on a regular basis on our homepage under “Press & Events”.
The Fraunhofer Group for Light & Surfaces brings together the expertise of six Fraunhofer Institutes. The institutes combine coordinated competencies in the fields of laser manufacturing processes, laser beam sources, metrology, medicine and life sciences, optical systems and optical manufacturing, EUV technology, process and system simulation, materials technology, micro- and nanotechnology, thin-film as well as plasma and electron beam technology.