A femtosecond laser emits optical pulses in the near-infrared region. Its ultrashort pulses (on the order a few tens of femtoseconds) lead to significant perspectives in industry. In micromachining, ablation of any materials becomes possible. For example, singular metals and ceramics used in medicine; piezoelectric ceramics, silicon and organic materials in microelectronics; metals in micromechanics. Precise and flawless machining has very reduced heat-affected zone (on the order of a micron).
Industrial applications
In one laser pulse, available energy is concentrated in a short time. The larger the power achieved, the shorter the pulse. Therefore, the use of very short pulses represents an advantage.
Today, it is possible to reach tens of femtoseconds (one femtosecond (fs) = 10-15 s, i.e. one millionth of a nanosecond).
Using the available energy, one can machine by ablation any type of materials, even those inaccessible to conventional laser techniques. A 1000-Hz frequency can be thereby achieved.
Machining images under electron microscope (Plate thickness of 0.1 mm)
Courtesy of IREPA LASER
