Laser–Matter Interactions: Fundamentals and Applications in Micro/Nano Structuring

Laser–matter interactions offer a precise, versatile platform for micro- and nano-scale material processing. With the development of ultrafast lasers, especially femtosecond and picosecond pulses, it is now possible to modify materials with minimal thermal effects, enabling high-resolution structuring and functional tuning. This Research Topic focuses on the fundamental mechanisms—such as nonlinear absorption, plasma formation, and ultrafast dynamics—and their application in micro/nano fabrication, including laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), nanogratings, nanoparticle synthesis and 3D patterning.

This Research Topic will address the current challenges and opportunities in laser–matter interactions by inviting high-quality contributions that span both fundamental studies and application-driven innovations. We aim to bridge the gap between physics, materials science, and engineering by focusing on novel mechanisms of energy transfer, laser-induced structural transformations, and advanced laser-based micro/nano-fabrication techniques.

Themes of interest include:
• Ultrafast laser surface processing
• Laser induced periodic surface structuring and surface functionalization
• Micro- and nano-structuring of materials
• Material fabrication using femto, pico and nano second laser
• Laser induced refractive index grating
• Laser induced direct writing, waveguides fabrications, integrated optics
• Modification of surface and bulk properties by laser pulses
• Applications of different structured surfaces using laser for sensing and microfluidics
• New phenomena in laser-based material treatments
• Laser induced additive manufacturing
• Laser induced forward transfer
• Fabrication of structures for sensors and energy
• Laser processing of advanced materials such as 2D materials and other Quantum materials
• AI and ML based algorithms for real-time adjustment of laser parameters in higher precision structuring
• Integration of AIML in laser matter interaction experiments
• AI-integrated laser structuring in biomedical engineering (precision fabrication of scaffolds, implants, and medical sensors)

Contributions involving new materials, modeling, time-resolved studies, and sustainable laser processing are especially encouraged. This collection aims to bring together interdisciplinary research advancing both the science and technological impact of laser–matter interaction towards fundamentals and applications.