SZLASER

Gaining of a high peak power in the visible light range from a solid state laser with continuous diode pumping is a challenging task in several applications (high-precision material processing, nonlinear optics and Raman-spectroscopy, medicine, etc.). The technique of modulating the Q-factor of laser cavity (Q-switch) enables growth of the peak power approximately as τsp / τph (here τsp is the upper laser level lifetime and τph is the photon lifetime in the cavity). When we take a typical Nd:YAG laser, this gain in peak power is about 103- 104 times. The further growth of the peak power is possible through methods of mode locking of the laser (ML). However, realization of mode-locking together with Q-switch (unlike the case of continuous operation mode) is a technically challenging task: we face a high amplification, almost uncontrollable nonlinear effects, damage of optical elements in the laser, etc. In prior art, the steady mode of generation for Q-switch coupled with mode locking (...

For larger optics or optical system metrology, a laser tracker can provide sparse sampling points across the test surface or structures, which can allow for low-spatial-frequency surface metrology . The technique uses a laser tracker, a device that has two angular encoders and a distance measuring interferometer which measure the position of a spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) in 3D space by aiming a laser beam at the reflector (i.e., corner cube centered in a precision spherical ball) and measuring the return signal. The distance-measuring interferometer provide accurate distance metrology, and new improvements, such as using a mode-locked laser, have further improved the measurement accuracy . Calibration A laser tracker alone is sometimes not enough to measure the surface shape of a test optic under certain vibrations or fluctuations since the point-by-point surface scanning process takes time to finish the measurement. Four (or more) independent distance-measuring interferom...

In the early days of the industrial laser era, frequently just the mere reliability and technical feasibility of laser processing for a particular application was considered sufficient reason to invest in a laser system. For some potential laser users it was quite simply strategically important to invest in future technology and, if finances allowed, just to accept the financial risk involved. Now that industrial lasers are considered "conventional" technology in many sectors of industry and the financial pressure on many companies has increased considerably, profitability is often the most important aspect. The high investment and operating cost of laser systems compared to conventional methods must be justified according to economic criteria with corresponding financial advantages. The question of whether laser material processing has economic advantages over equivalent conventional processing methods does not always have a straightforward answer. Nor is it possible to make...

Laser marking benefits particularly from its high flexibility, able to accommodate large batch runs or one-off individual parts. Being non-contact it is flexible in terms of surface geometry, being able to mark undulating or patterned/textured surfaces. Laser markers used in conjunction with handling and external EDP control (programming, for instance, via a master computer), offer a complete automated solution. Additional benefits of laser marking include: Maximum flexibility. Computer control (software) makes it possible to create individually designed parts each requiring unique markings; the minimum batch size is one unit. Laser markings are always effected inside the material, providing fraud-proof, abrasion-resistant and permanent marking. Laser markings are applied contact free without the use of force. Clamping devices are unnecessary. The laser beam – unlike other tools – is not subject to wear. The laser, in contrast to many other techniques, can be used to mark free formed s...

It is generally true to say that all organic materials, such as wood and leather, may be marked with a CO 2   laser; inorganic materials are typically marked with lamp-pumped and diode pumped, solid-state lasers. Wood, leather, cartonage: These materials are subject to ablation, creating a dark marking due to groove formation and the resulting shadow. The material itself shows slight carbonization. Metal: Almost any metal may be laser-machined. The laser is most frequently used for steel marking. Steel may be engraved, ablated or tempered. Copper, gold: The high reflectivity of these metals makes marking difficult. High laser stability is required in order to attain reproducible printing results. Silicon: Silicon is typically engraved by evaporation and melting of the material. Using green laser light instead of infrared wavelengths is particularly common (e.g. marking of the backside of ready-made/packaged IC’s). This technique affords black or white silicon markings. Plastics: Pl...