| Abstract Scope |
Glass materials integrated with advanced functions, such as anti-fogging and self-cleaning functions, are urgently demanded in applications such as eyeglasses, goggles, and windows. Surface morphology is essential for determining surface functions, such as wettability. The ultrafast pulsed laser is a promising tool for generating surface structures and subsequently controlling the surface functionality. In the case of glass, however, the formation mechanisms of different structures and their influence on surface wettability remain unknown. This study investigates the formation of micro/nano-surface structures on fused silica by ultrafast laser irradiation, and their impacts on surface wettability. The effects of laser fluence, overlapping ratio, and repetition rate on the structure morphology are studied. Different processing conditions permit the formation of different types of structures, which are enabled by different underlying mechanisms. Surface wetting qualities vary depending on the structure type. The relationship is established between laser parameters, surface structures, surface roughness, and surface wettability. |