Metal laser ablation using nanosecond optical vortex pulses with orbital angular momentum was performed. Optical vortex was capable of providing energy and cost saving material processing with less debris. Microneedle fabrication on a metal surface based on optical vortex laser ablation was also demonstrated. The resulting needle showed a height of at least 10 µm above the target surface and a tip diameter of less than 0.3 µm.

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