Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to Machining with Lasers

Chapter 2: Time Scales

Chapter 3: Machining with Long Pulses

Chapter 4: Nanosecond Machined Samples

Chapter 5: Machining with Ultrafast Laser Pulses

Chapter 6: Femtosecond Machined Samples

Chapter 7: Contamination, Debris, Etc.

Chapter 8: Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)

Chapter 9: Machining Accuracy

Chapter 10: Sub-micron Features

Chapter 11: Machining Inside Bulk Materials

Chapter 12: Introduction to Waveguides

Chapter 13: Active Waveguides

Chapter 14: Shortcomings of Femtosecond Lasers

Chapter 15: Materials We've Machined

Chapter 16: Conclusion

Appendices: References and Glossary

Femtosecond Machined Samples

 

A channel machined in 1 mm thick INVAR, Nickel/Iron alloy under the same experimental conditions as the long pulse channel in Figure 4.1, but with ultrafast pulses. This channel was machined with 200 femtosecond pulses, 0.5 mJ energy per pulse. It is quite obvious that the channel machined with femtosecond pulses is cleaner than the sample machined with nanosecond pulses (place link to figure 4.1). Note also the absence of a recast layer. It is also clear that the machining process was more efficient – the channel is larger. The edges are straighter. Overall the quality of the micromachining is much higher.