Biomimetic multifunctional metallic surfaces produced by femtosecond laser

Full text: We created multifunctional metal surfaces by producing a hieratical nano- and micro-structures with femtosecond laser pulses on titanium, platinum and brass. The multifunctional surfaces exhibit excellent broadband light absorption, superhydrophobicity, and self-cleaning effects. The creation of these multifunctional surfaces is inspired by biological surfaces of Lotus leaves and blue Morpho butterfly wings. The enhanced absorption is useful whenever light collection is needed, such as in sensors and solar energy absorbers. The self-cleaning effect will improve the performance of the devices and minimize the maintenance. This surface should also possess other highly desirable functionalities such as anti-corrosion, anti-icing, anti-biofouling, and self-sanitation, since these properties are directly related to superhydrophobicity. (author)