Deterministic order in surface micro-topologies through sequential wrinkling.

Ordered herringbone patterns with deterministic long and short wavelengths are created using a sequential wrinkling strategy (SWS). Patterns with a prescribed zig-zag turning angle less than 90° are obtained upon sequential wrinkling of non-equi-biaxial prestrain for the first time. SWS provides a new method for measuring thin-film mechanical properties simply through the wrinkling metrology without measurement of film thickness.