Nano-meter size modification of metal surfaces induced by soft X-ray laser single pulse

石野 雅彦; Faenov, A.*; 田中 桃子; Pikuz, T.; 保 智己*; 長谷川 登; 錦野 将元; Starikov, S. V.*; Stegailov, V. V.*; Norman, G.*; et al.

X-Ray Lasers 2012; Springer Proceedings in Physics, Vol.147, p.121 - 124, 2014/00

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00696-3_20

We show experimentally the possibility of the precise nano-meter size surface structuring of metal surfaces induced by ultra low fluencies of pico-second soft X-ray laser single pulse. After irradiation processes, we observed the modified surfaces to understand the interactions between the soft X-ray laser pulses and various materials by a scanning electron microscope. The formations of unique modified structures caused by irradiations of the soft X-ray laser pulses were seen. On Al surface, the formations of conical structures were observed in the shallow features. On Au surface, the ripple-like structures were observed. The atomistic model of ablation is developed that reveals the ultra-low threshold fluency values of this process. Calculated ablation depth as a function of irradiation fluency is in good agreement with the experimental data presented as well as with the existing data on optical ablation. Our results will open new opportunities for nano-meter size processing for metal surfaces.