Multi-dimensional control and optimization of ultrafast laser material processing

Abstract

As an enabling manufacturing tool, ultrafast laser, with pulse duration in the range from tens of femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds, offers unparalleled performance in terms of resolution, repeatability, and 3D fabrication capability. Even though the laser-matter interaction time is short, the phenomena taking place during and after the energy deposition event are complex, dynamic, and extreme. Such complexity and dynamics, however, create a possibility to control and optimize ultrafast laser material processing from a multi-dimensional approach: Spatial beam shaping techniques can be used to sculpt laser focal shape in transverse and axial direction, creating optimal intensity distribution for a specific application; Temporal pulse shaping can modify the way laser energy is deposited to enhance energy coupling between laser beam and material; Laser wavelength can be tuned to match the type of material in use to introduce internal modification in an otherwise opaque material; And laser polarization can be used as another degree of freedom to tailor material response.This talk will present recent progress in the control and optimization of material processing with ultrashort pulse laser, for both subtractive (drilling, scribing) and additive (two-photon polymerization) manufacturing. This work extends the capability of ultrafast laser as a manufacturing tool, and puts forth a prospect of using laser for manufacturing purposes in a more effective and productive mannerAs an enabling manufacturing tool, ultrafast laser, with pulse duration in the range from tens of femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds, offers unparalleled performance in terms of resolution, repeatability, and 3D fabrication capability. Even though the laser-matter interaction time is short, the phenomena taking place during and after the energy deposition event are complex, dynamic, and extreme. Such complexity and dynamics, however, create a possibility to control and optimize ultrafast laser material processing from a multi-dimensional approach: Spatial beam shaping techniques can be used to sculpt laser focal shape in transverse and axial direction, creating optimal intensity distribution for a specific application; Temporal pulse shaping can modify the way laser energy is deposited to enhance energy coupling between laser beam and material; Laser wavelength can be tuned to match the type of material in use to introduce internal modification in an otherwise opaque material; And laser polarization can ...