Single-Pixel-Adjustable Structural Color Fabricated Using a Spatially Modulated Femtosecond Laser

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Structural colors offer stable, eco-friendly dyeing but lack precise control.
• Achieving single-pixel and dynamic adjustment of structural colors remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel method for tunable structural colors with single-pixel control.
• To explore the potential of femtosecond laser technology for advanced color fabrication.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microcurve surfaces using a hybrid femtosecond laser technology (spatially modulated laser-assisted wet etching and molding).
• Independent adjustment of pixel color by altering the morphology of femtosecond laser-modified regions within fused silica.
• Quantitative control of color lightness through array arrangement of microcurve surfaces.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated bright structural colors on fabricated microcurve surfaces under white light.
• Achieved independent, single-pixel color tunability by modifying internal morphology.
• Showcased programmable fabrication of various color patterns through microcurve surface arrangement.
• Observed dynamic color changes in response to external forces.

Conclusions:

• The proposed femtosecond laser hybrid technology enables precise, single-pixel control over structural colors.
• This method offers high flexibility for creating dynamic and programmable color patterns.
• The developed technique presents a promising, stable, and eco-friendly approach for advanced color applications.