Micro-processing with ultra-short pulse lasers has become a vital tool in various industrial and scientific applications, such as surface texturing, surface treatment, metal drilling, glass drilling, and micro-welding. While these applications offer significant advantages over traditional processing methods, they also present unique challenges that must be overcome to take micro-processing to the next level. These challenges include improving process speed, enhancing process precision, and enabling easy integration of the laser into industrial applications.
In this paper, we discuss how beam shaping can be used to tackle these challenges in various micro-processing applications. We describe how beam splitting, non-diffractive beams, top-hat shaping, and other original beam shapes such as U-shaped beams and triangular beams have been used to improve the process speed, precision, and integration of ultra-short pulse lasers into various micro-processing applications. We also discuss the challenges of fibering the laser for easy integration into industrial applications and describe how beam shaping can be used to overcome these challenges.
In conclusion, this paper demonstrates how beam shaping can be used to tackle the unique challenges of micro-processing with ultra-short pulse lasers. With the appropriate beam shaping technology, we can significantly enhance the process speed, precision, and integration of ultra-short pulse lasers into various micro-processing applications.