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 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

Machining accuracy is also limited by our ability to precisely position the laser beam with respect to the workpiece. There are two approaches here: you can leave the beam fixed and move the workpiece using translations stages, or you can leave the workpiece stationary and move the laser beam using galvanometers. We typically use the first approach.

Our workstations can be equipped with various translation stages offering trade-offs between range, resolution, speed and cost. Typically we equip our workstations with stages providing step resolution of one micron (and accuracy over the full 100 mm range of 5 microns). Higher resolution stages are available, but they may be pricey. You also need to be aware that the highest resolution stages must be installed on very heavy granite platforms. This further increases the system cost.