Nanosecond laser-induced periodic surface structuring of cross-linked azo-polymer films

In this work we discuss the response to laser ablation of a poly(4-vinylbenzyl azide-random-methyl methacrylate) (p((S-N3)-r-MMA)) random copolymer. This material is cross-linkable thermally and upon exposure to UV light, and on cross-linked films the irradiation with a 248 nm ns KrF laser induces the formation of laser induced periodical surface structure (LIPSS). The LIPSS morphology is dependent on the amount of 4-vinylbenzyl azide (S-N3) groups in the pristine copolymer. We propose a crosslinking mechanism based on the scission of azide with formation of azo groups and we discuss the possible relationship between this chemical modifications and the formation of ripples on the bottom of laser ablation cavities.