Polarization-controlled microgroove arrays induced by femtosecond laser pulses.

Using pulsed femtosecond laser irradiation, we demonstrate the creation of an array of microgrooves within a single laser spot on metals. The orientation of these grooves is not limited to being parallel to the plane of the laser beam's propagation but can orient at any angle up to 30° from parallel. We control the orientation of the microgrooves by proportionally varying the laser's polarization. Polarization, angle of incidence, and structural evolution dynamics have been thoroughly studied to help us understand this phenomenon. Our studies suggest that the formation of angled microgroove arrays is due to a feedback effect occurring between defect-focused ablation and polarization-dependent laser-induced periodic surface structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]