Advancements in Ultrashort-Pulse Fiber Laser Processing

Marco Mendes discusses recent laser processing advancements enabled by a new generation of ultrashort-pulsewidth (USP) fiber lasers, and how new fiber-based technologies enable disruptive improvements to USP lasers, including ease of use, package size, performance, reliability, and substantial reduction in cost of ownership.

Mendes presents results using picosecond fiber lasers with pulse duration below 3 ps and up to 100 µJ/pulse and 100 W of average power, and femtosecond fiber lasers with pulse duration below 500 fs and pulse energy up to 40 µJ/pulse and 40 W of average power, both operating in the near-IR at 1030 nm. He also presents results using a green femtosecond fiber laser with pulse duration below 900 fs and pulse energy up to 100 µJ/pulse and 25 W of average power, operating at 515 nm.

Mendes discusses the improvements in quality, accuracy, and throughput enabled by USP fiber lasers, and he shows processing examples for marking, cutting, drilling, and milling across a range of materials from metals and polymers to glass and ceramics.