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Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are formed near 110 nm-tall Au microstructured edges on Si substrates after single-pulse femtosecond irradiation with a 150 fs pulse centered near a 780 nm wavelength. We investigate the contributions of Fresnel diffraction from step-edges and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) excitation to LIPSS formation on Au and Si surfaces. For certain laser polarization vector orientations, LIPSS formation is dominated by SPP excitation; however, when SPP excitation is minimized, Fresnel diffraction dominates. The LIPSS orientation and period distributions are shown to depend on which mechanism is activated. These results support previous observations of the laser polarization vector influencing LIPSS formation on bulk surfaces.

We have observed laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) formation with sub-micron periodicities after single-pulse ultrafast irradiation of isolated, 110 nm-tall Au microstructures on Si substrates. Fresnel diffraction patterns are established on both the structure surface and surrounding Si substrate when light is scattered by feature edges, and the resultant intensity distribution is partially responsible for LIPSS formation. LIPSS form for any in-plane, laser polarization orientation with respect to surface feature edges, although the LIPSS amplitude varies with the orientation. This explains the formation of LIPSS patterns having different wavevectors and amplitudes after multi-pulse irradiation of initially smooth surfaces.

We present a design for a continuous-wave (CW) atom laser on a chip and describe the process used to fabricate the device. Our design aims to integrate quadrupole magnetic guiding of ground state 87 Rb atoms with continuous surface adsorption evaporative cooling to create a continuous Bose-Einstein condensate; out-coupled atoms from the condensate should realize a CW atom laser. We choose a geometry with three wires embedded in a spiral pattern in a silicon subtrate. The guide features an integrated solenoid to mitigate spin-flip losses and provide a tailored longitudinal magnetic field. Our design also includes multiple options for atom interferometry: accomodations are in place for laser-generated atom Fabry-Perot and Mach-Zehnder interferometers, and a pair of atomic beam X-splitters is incorporated for an all-magnetic atom Mach-Zehnder setup. We demonstrate the techniques necessary to fabricate our device using existing micro-and nano-scale fabrication equipment, and discuss future options for modified designs and fabrication processes.

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