Using multi-plane light conversion for 2D, direct laser interference patterning

• Published in: Optics express 2024-11, Vol.32 (24), p.42885
• Main Authors: Hammouti, Sabrina, Nuzhdin, Dmitry, Gusachenko, Ivan, Pallier, Gwenn, Labroille, Guillaume, Sikora, Aurélien, Faucon, Marc, Mincuzzi, Girolamo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1094-4087; 1094-4087
• DOI: 10.1364/OE.539357

We introduced and tested what we believe to be a novel approach for surface texturing via direct laser interference patterning (DLIP). This new setup integrates a module implementing multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) technology. The module has been specifically engineered to directly generates a matrix of 2 × 2 identical sub-beams from a single incoming beam. Differently from a conventional DLIP set-up, no diffractive element or multi-facets prism has been used, with the critical advantage to prevent misalignment issues, temporal overlap mismatch and phase front aberrations. Utilizing a 350-fs laser, we achieved a 2D interference pattern with a contrast as high as 85%. The system incorporates a pulse-on-demand (POD) feature and a fast galvo scanner, enabling the generation on the fly of high aspect ratio, regular structures at scan speeds as high as 10 m/s. Moreover, we explored the potential of integrating this setup into a roll-to-roll pilot line, which allows for the continuous texturing of large surfaces. This integration is crucial to adopt the technology for industrial applications, as it facilitates high-throughput processing over large areas. We believe our results not only prove the feasibility and the advantages of using DLIP with MPLC for precise and high-contrast surface texturing but also point-out its utility for industrial-scale applications, paving the way for more efficient and scalable production processes in material surface engineering.