Silver nano-structures prepared by oriented evaporation on laser-patterned poly(methyl methacrylate)

Preparation of ordered arrays of silver nanostructures with defined shape and symmetry on patterned polymer surface is described. Laser irradiation of porphyrine-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) leads to a material flow driven by temperature gradient and to creation of regular surface pattern. Subsequent shadow silver evaporation results in selective silver deposition and creation of ordered system of silver arcs. Structures produced in this way are examined using AFM, SEM, XPS, and FIB–SEM methods.