Phase‐Modulated Hierarchical Surface Structures by Interfering Laser Beams

Abstract A high‐energy laser interference direct modulation technique is proposed to develop surfaces for energy‐efficient performance based on microstructure and physical parameter control. By producing the surface features or particles at the nano to micron scale in an orderly and/or parallel manner with a lateral long‐range order, the surfaces can be configured for highly improved surface response for a host of properties, including wear and friction. Laser interference direct modulation can lead to an optimized composite of metallurgical (localized alloyed or composite regions) and topographic textures. The technique is rapid prototyping, low cost and one‐step method that can be well‐integrated into existing production lines without the need for any special atmosphere. It is usable for complex geometries of the components and the surface can be modulated for nano‐micro scale features on large areas. The present paper describes the principle behind the laser interference technique configured for surface modulation and provides the definitions of surface structures (features) evolved. Some examples of laser‐based surface modulation of materials systems are presented.