Single femtosecond laser beam induced nanogratings in transparent media - Mechanisms and applications

Single femtosecond laser beam induced nanograting structure in transparent media has attracted extensive attention in many fields of science and technology in the past decades. Considering the excellent physicochemical properties and promising applications, it will continue to be a hot topic in the field of laser-matter interaction in the future. Over the recent ten years, both fundamental research and practical application have gained tremendous advances. We have witnessed the finding of novel fresh phenomena, imaginative physical models and promising technologies related to femtosecond laser induced nanogratings in transparent materials. However, despite those achievements, numerous issues related to mechanism, material dependence and process are still far from completely solved. This review will focus on recent research progress including basic properties, theory models, control methods and potential applications. Achievements in recent five years are discussed in detail and several core issues are specially commented. The future developing trend is also prospected. Keywords: Femtosecond laser, Laser micromachining, Nanograting, Transparent medium, Self-assembl