Revolutionary laser technology: redesign material surfaces now!

Revolutionary laser technology: redesign material surfaces now!

Modern laser technology opens up fascinating possibilities for improving material surfaces. It has proven to be groundbreaking, particularly in the automotive industry. According to the Saarland University This technology can not only significantly improve the electrical conductivity of components, but also repel bacteria and viruses. Professor Frank Mücklich, who has headed the Chair of Functional Materials at Saar University for over 30 years, is a pioneer in this field.

Under his leadership, the Steinbeis Research Center for Materials Technology was founded 15 years ago and the company Surfunction was founded five years ago. These institutions are well positioned to advance the development of innovative surfaces from laser technologies. Mücklich is also the spokesman for the “Materials Science and Materials Technology” topic network at acatech, which further underlines his outstanding role in research on laser technology.

Direct laser beam interference structuring

A key technology is direct laser beam interference structuring (DLIP). This method allows non-contact processing at speeds of up to one square meter per minute and uses the principle of interference to create highly functional microstructures in materials. Loud Wikipedia DLIP can be applied to almost any material and influences the surface properties in terms of electrical and optical properties, tribology and wettability. In the 1990s, Mücklich gained his first experiences with a process based on laser interference for the crystallization of amorphous layers at the Technical University of Munich. These principles were ultimately used to develop DLIP at Saarland University.

The micro-topography of the surfaces can be significantly controlled. Mücklich and his doctoral student Andrés Lasagni were successful in structuring materials using laser interference metallurgy. Their collaboration resulted in several awards, including the Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize.

Applications and international collaborations

The application of laser-structured surfaces also extends to critical areas such as the automotive industry. By improving the reliability and longevity of electrical connectors in electric vehicles, the new metal surfaces can conduct electricity up to 80% more efficiently and require 40% less force when mating. Additionally, these materials have been tested in space missions to reduce the adhesion of microorganisms in difficult environments.

Special projects in cooperation with NASA and ESA, which are supervised by ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, aim to research the hygiene properties of surfaces under space conditions. During the tests, various experiments were carried out, such as the behavior of antimicrobial surfaces and the study of biofilms. For example, the technology has increased the efficiency of photovoltaic systems by 21%, reports Fraunhofer IFAM.

The use of laser-based surface treatment protects the environment as no chemical additives are required. Laser technology enables significant advances in surface modification, which are crucial for long-term stable bonding and painting. Challenges such as insufficient adhesion due to manufacturing processes or external influences can be reduced by specifically adapting the surface structure.

Overall, the impressive advances and diverse applications of laser technology underline the importance of research in this area. Professor Mücklich and his team are setting standards that not only revolutionize the industry, but also contribute to the circular economy by developing recyclable and pure materials.