Abstract: A method for bandgap shift and phase transformation for titania structures. The method can include providing a flexible substrate, depositing a titania film onto the substrate, and exposing the titania film to one or more pulses of infrared energy of sufficient energy density and for a sufficient time to crystallize the titania film to predominantly anatase crystalline phase. The flexible substrate can be formed from a polymeric material, and the method can achieve a bandgap shift from greater than 3.0 eV to approximately 2.4 eV. The method can also include forming a crystalline titania layer over a substrate and annealing the crystalline titania layer by applying pulsed thermal energy sufficient to modify the phase constitution of the crystalline titania layer. The source of pulsed thermal energy can include an infrared flashlamp or laser, and the resulting titania structure can be used with photovoltaic and photoelectrolysis systems.

Abstract: An assembly configured for implantation in a living organism is provided. In some embodiments, the material includes a mechanical surface that has long range ordered micro-features. A repetitive pattern of hierarchical micro-features is incorporated in some embodiments, and in some embodiments the micro-features are composite in nature, and may include nano-structures. In one embodiment an assembly has a first article has a mechanical surface configured to be disposed in contact with a material that is not live biological tissue and a second article comprising a bio-interfacial surface configured to be disposed in contact with live biological tissue. Some embodiments include a screw or a post.

Abstract: A material configured for implantation in a living organism. In some embodiments, the material includes a mechanical surface that has long range ordered micro-features. A repetitive pattern of hierarchical micro-features is incorporated in some embodiments, and in some embodiments the micro-features are composite in nature, and may include nano-structures. One embodiment provides a method of modifying the surface of a tissue in a living organism. The method includes a step of dividing a laser beam into a plurality of laser beams and a further step of guiding the plurality of laser beams to create an interference pattern at the surface of the material, and a repetitive pattern of micro-features is formed on the surface of the tissue.