Laser-induced surface modifications self-organization are alternatives to lithographic techniques for the functionalizing of surfaces on the micro- and nanoscale. Recently the fabrication of LIPSS with circularly polarized light gained increased attention. 2D patterning may be achieved on a variety of surfaces. We demonstrate the structuring of thin metal films on silicon, obtaining stripe, honeycomb, and hexagonal nanoparticle array patterns through laser-driven self-organization. Patterning is demonstrated on different metals, all showing individual pattern preferences and pattern developments dependent on the energy dose. The metal thin film thicknesses, the free energy of oxide formation and alloying, and the individual irradiation parameters affect the pattern formation and can be tuned to obtain the desired metal patterns.
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