Mechanisms of direct laser nanostructuring of materials

In the given paper, recent results on the development of physical mechanisms and theoretical models of direct laser surface nanostructuring are reviewed. Attention is paid to nanosecond lasers, as they are cheaper and simpler in use than pico- and femtosecond lasers, which is important for the development of further applications. The formation of so-called ‘nonresonant’ structures, whose period is not directly related to the laser radiation wavelength, is considered. Nanostructuring mechanisms for a number of surface modification processes with and without melting are studied. Corresponding experimental illustrations of nanostructures are given for various materials — polymers, metals, ceramics, and diamond films.