Long focal length high repetition rate femtosecond laser glass welding.

Abstract

A long focal length focusing device is proposed for the process of glass welding by femtosecond laser pulses at high repetition rate and we report on the significant advantages. The study is performed using a 100 mm focusing length F-theta lens. The results are compared to those obtained with a high numerical aperture microscope objective. The long focal length with the associated Rayleigh length method allows a robust high process speed: welding at 1000 mm/s has been achieved, several orders of magnitude larger compared to what was reported until now. Moreover, for one pulse, the same energy on a larger laser spot leads to a lower thermic gradient increase. As a result, with the proposed parameters, the heat accumulation process reduces the residual stress in the welding seams, preventing the formation of fractures inside the seams: mechanical resistance at 30 MPa has been measured.