The objective of this instrument development proposal is to build a state-of-the-art laser-based surface-texturing instrument for surface engineering research in nanoscale science and engineering, and manufacturing from nano-scale to micro/meso to macro-scale. This instrument uses laser to pattern or texture submicron to micron feature sizes onto an object surface, flat or curved, external or internal, with nanometer positioning precision. The object can be a conductor or an insulator.
Successful development of the proposed laser surface-texturing instrument will provide an opportunity for collaborative research among investigators in mechanical engineering, materials science and manufacturing. There is a good possibility that the proposed instrument may be developed into a commercial tool, thus providing commercialization opportunities and wider access to the community, both for basic research and industrial applications. Once developed, this instrument will be made available to research community for their surface engineering needs.
