SURFACE PERIODIC STRUCTURES INDUCED BY PULSED-LASER IRRADIATION OF FULLERITE

Fullerite surface modifications induced by 1064 and 266 nm pulsed lase r irradiation have been studied by scanning electron microscopy. The f ormation of micropatterns with a well-defined periodicity is reported. The morphology of the periodic nanostructures can be controlled by va rying the laser fluence, the angle of incidence, and the wavelength. T he different patterns observed for infrared and ultraviolet irradiatio n suggest that electronic and thermal effects are responsible of the f ormation of the periodic structures. (C) 1996 American Institute of Ph ysics.