Direct Laser Interference Patterning: Theory and Application

We simulated and experimentally investigated the formation of periodic structures generated by multibeam interference patterning. The simulations at the different setup geometry show that resulting interference pattern is quasi-periodical. The calculated patterns show that the symmetries of the interference maxima depend mostly on the angles of incidence and that a wide variety of patterns can be obtained. Because of the difficulty in aligning four beams sufficiently well to avoid secondary periodicities, for testing we used a three-beam interference configuration. Atomic force microscopy images showed good correspondence between the experimental and simulated interference image, with flat islands which correspond to the destructive interference and narrow channels which correspond to the constructive interference fringes.