Laser-assisted Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Abstract

Owing to the wide range of applications, extending from healthcare to the photonics industry, ultra-water-repellent surfaces that mimic the naturally occurring lotus leaf have been the subject of intense research. Although various physical and chemical methods could achieve the biomimicking of the lotus leaf surface, laser-assisted surface topography modification to achieve superhydrophobicity is emerging as the most promising pathway due to the non-contact nature of fabrication and excellent control over the structural features via laser and processing parameters. This chapter provides insight into the progress made in the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with the aid of pulsed lasers operating at different time scales, mainly nano-, pico- and femtosecond lasers. A detailed account of laser–matter interactions in various time domains and the consequent modification of the surface is also provided. Based on recent advances in this field, analysis of the effects of laser parameters such as wavelength, fluence, inter-pattern spacing and repetition rate on the development of superhydrophobic surfaces is discussed in detail. Finally, the emerging applications of laser-textured superhydrophobic surfaces are considered.