Review of methods of direct laser surface nanostructuring of materials

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