Spectral and polarization responses of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on metals

We study, for the first time, the spectral responsivity of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (FLIPSSs) in the UV, vis, and IR wavelength ranges. We find that FLIPSSs are an effective technique for controlling the optical properties of metals in the UV, vis, and near-IR spectral regions. In contrast to previous studies of FLIPSSs produced over an area of only a single irradiation spot on metals, we demonstrate that FLIPSSs can be produced over an extended area by scanning laser beam. This FLIPSS technique has potential applications in photonics, plasmonics, optoelectronics, thermal radiation sources, and bio-optical devices. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.