Fabrication of periodic surface topographies via sequential photothermal laser microsintering of silicon nanoparticle films

► Sequential sintering of Si nanoparticle films with a microfocused cw-laser is investigated. ► Local laser-induced film compaction results in periodic surface topographies. ► Fabrication of sub-micron periodicities down to 600 nm and below is feasible. ► Experimental results are qualitatively reproduced using a simple photothermal model. ► Prospects in fabrication of biomimetic surface structures are anticipated.