ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the potential applications of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in polymer films. It shows the use of rippled polymer films as substrates for cell culture, surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors, and nonvolatile organic memory devices. The chapter focuses on LIPSS formation on polymer substrates. It also shows the examples of the use of polymer LIPSS for cell culture, surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates, and nonvolatile organic memory devices. Laser-based methods enable high-spatial-resolution patterning and afford versatility and reliability without the need of stringent ambient conditions. Different laser techniques have been applied for nanostructuring of polymer films, among them, LIPSS using a polarized laser source. LIPSS were first observed by Birnbaum after ruby-laser irradiation of several semiconductor materials, and since then, these types of structures have been generated on a wide variety of materials. As a main rule, a high absorption coefficient at the laser wavelength is needed in order to obtain LIPSS upon irradiation with nanosecond pulses.
