Colorizing stainless steel surface by femtosecond laser induced micro/nano-structures

► We demonstrate colorizing of stainless steel by laser induced periodic microholes. ► We also colorized stainless steel by femtosecond laser induced micro/nano-gratings. ► Variety of colors (single/multi-color) is produced on stainless steel surfaces. ► Color of the multi-color metals depends on incident/azimuthal angle of light. ► We explain the mechanism that facilitates color changes on stainless steel surfaces.