Application Of Laser Technology Research Articles

Research progress on laser processing of carbon fiber composite materials

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a high‐performance composite material composed of carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. CFRP is extensively used in various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and construction due to its advantageous properties. Laser processing offers numerous advantages when working with carbon fiber‐reinforced composites, including its non‐contact nature, precision, efficiency, and controllability. However, disparities between carbon fibers and the polymer matrix can lead to challenges during laser processing, such as delamination, heat‐affected zones, and fiber pullout. Consequently, there is a substantial body of literature focusing on improving the quality and efficiency of laser processing for CFRP materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of various studies investigating the impact of laser parameters (laser mode, pulse frequency, pulse width, and laser wavelength) on carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics. It discusses how different laser parameters affect the processing quality and performance of these materials. Additionally, drawing from recent research findings, the paper explores potential future trends in laser processing for carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics.Highlights The application of laser technology in CFRP, including laser cutting, drilling, welding, and surface treatment, has been extensively researched. A detailed discussion is held regarding the impact of laser mode, wavelength, frequency, and pulse width on the quality of machining. More auxiliary processing has evolved in CFRP manufacturing due to the ongoing advancements in laser technology. The goals of laser processing CFRP technology are increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and minimizing waste.

Tunable electronic and optical properties of BAs/InS heterojunction based on first-principles calculations.

The geometric structure, electronic properties, and optical characteristics of BAs/InS heterostructures are investigated in the present study through the first-principles calculations of Density Functional Theory. The analysis shows that H1-stacking BAs/InS heterostructures with an interlayer distance of 3.6 Å have excellent stability compared with monolayer materials. Furthermore, this heterostructure is classified as a Type-II heterostructure, which promotes the formation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. The band alignment, direction and magnitude of electronic transfer in BAs/InS heterostructures can be fine-tuned by applying the external electric field and stress, which can also induce a transition from Type-II to Type-I behavior, the indirect bandgap to direct bandgap also occurs. Moreover, absorption coefficient of the heterostructure can also be moderately enhanced and adjusted by external electric fields and stress. These findings suggest that BAs/InS heterostructures have potential applications in photoelectric detectors and laser technology.

Generation of the flat-top beam using convolutional neural networks and Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm

Abstract Laser technology has made rapid progress in recent years and has been widely used in various fields such as medicine, biology, military, and materials science. However, the limitations of traditional Gaussian intensity distribution of the laser beams in applications have prompted the emergence and development of flat-top beam shaping technology, which has received widespread attention. Here, we introduce a new method for generating flat-top beams that combines the traditional Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm with convolutional neural networks, using spatial light modulators to achieve flat-top beam shaping. A comparative analysis was conducted by comparing the root mean square error and diffraction efficiency of the generated flat-top beam with the results obtained using only the traditional Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm. Compared with the traditional Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, the method proposed in this paper can generate a flat-top beam with smaller differences from the target light intensity and higher energy utilization, providing new possibilities for the application of laser technology.

Investigation of large-aspect ratio microgrooves on silicon nitride ceramic by WJALM

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic has excellent durability and superior outstanding mechanical properties, which makes it extensively applied in aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, semiconductors and optoelectronics. Nevertheless, the precise microfabrication of complex-shaped Si3N4 microgrooves, particularly those with large aspect-ratio (LAR) presents significant challenges, and traditional machining methods fall short in meeting the demanding criteria for high-precision applications due to the difficult-to-machine characteristics (e.g. high hardness, high strength and brittleness, etc.). In this research, waterjet-assisted laser machining (WJALM) is preferably adopted for LAR Si3N4 microstructures, which has demonstrated superiority in reducing thermal-induced defects of laser-only machining (LOM) with the water's impact and cooling effects. A comparative investigation of LOM and WJALM is initially conducted to evaluate the heat-affected zone (HAZ), geometric characteristics and sidewall surface quality of LAR Si3N4 microgrooves. Following that, the influence of waterjet and laser parameters on morphological characteristics for WJALM is studied through the control variable method. Results indicated that compared to LOM, the HAZ, material removal rate and sidewall surface quality of LAR microgrooves fabricated by WJALM were much superior. This research not only provides new strategies for Si3N4 microgrooves but also lays the foundation for the further development and industrial application of water-assisted laser technology.

Laser Application in Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among middle-aged and elderly men, often causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Current treatment options encompass watchful waiting, pharmacological therapy, and surgical intervention. Among these, surgical treatment rapidly alleviates LUTS and enhances quality of life, making it the most effective approach for moderate to severe BPH. In recent years, with the rapid development and clinical application of various laser technologies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), once considered the "gold standard," has faced controversies due to its higher surgical morbidity and limitations in treating large prostate volumes. Laser technologies, with their remarkable surgical efficacy, safety, and reduced morbidity, have increasingly gained favor among clinicians. This article primarily delves into the clinical advancements of diode laser minimally invasive technology in BPH treatment, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinicians in addressing clinical challenges.

K4Cd3Ge4O13: A Congruent-Melting Germanate Nonlinear Optical Crystal with a Moderate Second-Harmonic Generation Intensity and Broad Transparent Window.

Mid-infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have generated extensive research interest because of their crucial role in laser technology applications. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel cadmium germanate NLO crystal, K4Cd3Ge4O13, using spontaneous crystallization. K4Cd3Ge4O13 demonstrates a distinct three-dimensional structural framework characterized by twisted [Ge4O13] and [Cd3O10] clusters, composed of [GeO4], [CdO4], [CdO5], and [CdO6] basic building units, respectively, which represents an unprecedented structural feature. The title compound undergoes a desirable congruent melting behavior at about 727 °C. Notably, K4Cd3Ge4O13 demonstrates a short UV cutoff edge at 261 nm, coupled with a wide energy gap of 4.4 eV, and maintains an extended IR transparency window at around 6.0 μm. More importantly, it demonstrates a strong second-harmonic generation activity comparable to that of KH2PO4 (KDP) at 1064 nm. Theoretical analyses further elucidate that the remarkable optical performances of K4Cd3Ge4O13 are predominantly attributed to the cooperative effects of Ge-O and Cd-O bond-based motifs. These desired characteristics underscore the potential of K4Cd3Ge4O13 as a good candidate material for mid-IR NLO applications.

High-quality femtosecond laser cutting of battery electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance by regulating the taper angle: Promoting green manufacturing and chemistry

Laser cutting electrode technology is an environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing method that offers many benefits, such as low energy consumption and greenhouse gases, no waste production, no tool wear, flexible manipulation, and multi-scale processing. However, achieving high cutting quality with adjustable notch shape and controllable dimension precision is still a cutting-edge challenge. In addition, the influence of laser cutting on the microscopic structure and electrochemical performance of battery electrodes has not been fully illustrated. Here, the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrode is cut using a femtosecond laser technology. The processing parameters are systematically optimized, and the influence of laser cutting taper structure on the structure and performance of LTO electrodes is comprehensively investigated. It is found that laser photoionization and the generated plasma could create oxygen vacancies and thus more Ti3+/Ti4+ defects in the LTO electrodes, resulting in increased electronic conductivity. Moreover, proper taper structure could help improve electrolyte infiltration as well as Li+ diffusion kinetics. As a result, the laser cutting LTO electrode with the optimized taper angle of T = 0.004 shows excellent electrochemical performance. The capacity retention is more than 99.2 % after 400 cycles at 1C, and the specific capacity reaches ∼60 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 60C, which is about 1.7 times higher than that of mechanically cutting LTO electrodes. The outstanding electrochemical performance is also demonstrated by LiFePO4||Li4Ti5O12 full cells. This work could pave the way for the development and application of laser technology in cutting battery electrodes.

Numerical simulation of the thermo-mechanical coupling behavior of skin tissue exposed to repetitive pulse laser irradiation

A thorough understanding of the thermo-mechanical coupling behavior during the interaction between pulsed laser and skin tissue is a prerequisite for successful application of pulsed laser technology in the treatment of various skin diseases and injuries. Taking into account the complex physiological structure of skin tissue, a theoretical model is established to characterize the thermo-mechanical response of multi-layer skin tissue with variable physical properties, in which the non-linear governing equations of bio-thermo-mechanics with dual-phase lag mechanism and Henrique burn equation are involved. The finite difference method was employed to obtain the time-space distribution of skin temperature, displacement and stress under repeated pulse laser action, and the incidental thermal damage was further evaluated on this basis. The numerical results stated that: i) repeated pulse laser can significant reduce the peak temperature of skin tissue and further reduce or even eliminate thermal damage under the premise of required energy threshold, ii) the thermo-mechanical coupling response and potential thermal damage will be inhibited when the temperature dependence of physical parameter is considered, in which the thermal stress is more sensitive to the temperature dependence than others, iii) the thermal damage is more sensitive to the input parameters than that of thermo-mechanical response, and the burn time can be effectively delayed or even avoided for appropriate input options.

The Design and Analysis of the Fabrication of Micro- and Nanoscale Surface Structures and Their Performance Applications from a Bionic Perspective.

This paper comprehensively discusses the fabrication of bionic-based ultrafast laser micro-nano-multiscale surface structures and their performance analysis. It explores the functionality of biological surface structures and the high adaptability achieved through optimized self-organized biomaterials with multilayered structures. This study details the applications of ultrafast laser technology in biomimetic designs, particularly in preparing high-precision, wear-resistant, hydrophobic, and antireflective micro- and nanostructures on metal surfaces. Advances in the fabrications of laser surface structures are analyzed, comparing top-down and bottom-up processing methods and femtosecond laser direct writing. This research investigates selective absorption properties of surface structures at different scales for various light wavelengths, achieving coloring or stealth effects. Applications in dirt-resistant, self-cleaning, biomimetic optical, friction-resistant, and biocompatible surfaces are presented, demonstrating potential in biomedical care, water-vapor harvesting, and droplet manipulation. This paper concludes by highlighting research frontiers, theoretical and technological challenges, and the high-precision capabilities of femtosecond laser technology in related fields.

Rapid surface patterning to strengthen adhesive bonding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer by spatial shaping femtosecond laser

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) have become gradually important in the aerospace industry due to their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. However, traditional mechanical surface treatment methods are challenging to apply to CFRP because of their anisotropic and nonhomogeneous properties. Femtosecond laser offers unique advantages for surface treatment, as it allows processing with very low thermal load due to the extremely short interaction time. This study investigates the effect of different surface structures resulting from surface treatment using a femtosecond laser on adhesive properties of CFRP. The experimental results show that: 1) beam shaping can be realized by using the plano-convex cylindrical mirror, which improves the quality of laser processing and greatly improves processing efficiency. It only takes 20 s to complete the laser processing of a 1 cm*1 cm area, which increases the work efficiency by 49 times. 2) pre-bonding surface treatment significantly enhances the tensile shear strength of the single lap joint, and the shear strength of samples with low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) (14.57 ± 1.58 MPa) is 2.96 times higher than that of the untreated sample (US) (4.92 ± 1.34 MPa). 3) LSFL structure exhibits the best results, because the surface of CFRP with LSFL exhibits a relatively higher surface polarity and surface energy. This study provides an efficient, high-precision, and low-damage surface treatment method for preparing CFRP for adhesive bonding, which may promote the application of femtosecond laser technology in difficult-to-process composite materials and provide new methods and technical support for its application in aerospace, vehicle manufacturing, and other fields.

Simulation study on the thermal effect of continuous laser heating quartz materials.

The continuous development and application of laser technology, and the increasing energy and power of laser output have promoted the development of various types of laser optical systems. The optical components based on quartz materials are key components of high-power laser systems, and their quality directly affects the load capacity of the system. Due to the photothermal effect when the laser interacts with the quartz material and generates extremely high temperatures in a short period of time, it is impossible to experimentally solve the phenomena and physical mechanisms under extreme conditions. Therefore, it is very important to select a suitable method to investigate the thermal effect of intense laser interaction with quartz materials and explain the related physical mechanism. In this study, a three-dimensional quarter-symmetric laser heating quartz material geometry model by using nonlinear transient finite element method was established, and its transient temperature field distribution of the quartz material after being heated by a 1,064nm continuous laser was investigated. In addition, the influence of different laser parameters (laser spot radius, heat flux and irradiation time), material parameters (material thickness, material absorption rate of laser) on the thermal effect of heating quartz material were also studied. When the laser heat flux is 20W/cm2, the diameter of the laser spot is 10cm, the irradiation time is 600s and the thickness is 4cm, the temperature after laser heating can reach 940.18°C, which is far lower than the melting point. In addition, the temperature maximum probes were set at the overall model, spot edge and rear surface respectively, and their temperature rise curves with time were obtained. It is also found that there is a significant hysteresis period for the rear surface temperature change of the quartz material compared with the overall temperature change due to heat conduction. Finally, the method proposed can also be applied to the laser heating of other non-transparent materials.

Metal Material Processing Using Femtosecond Lasers: Theories, Principles, and Applications.

Metal material processing using femtosecond lasers is a useful technique, and it has been widely employed in many applications including laser microfabrication, laser surgery, and micromachining. The basic mechanisms of metal processing using femtosecond lasers are reviewed in this paper and the characteristics and theory of laser processing are considered. In addition to well-known processes, the recent progress relating to metals processing with femtosecond lasers, including metal material drilling, metal ablation thresholds, micro/nano-surface modification, printed circuit board (PCB) micromachining, and liquid metal (LM) processing using femtosecond lasers, is described in detail. Meanwhile, the application of femtosecond laser technology in different fields is also briefly discussed. This review concludes by highlighting the current challenges and presenting a forward-looking perspective on the future of the metal laser processing field.

Review of Polymer MFD Manufacturing Using Laser Technology

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of microfluidic device (MFD) manufacturing processes. The review starts with an introduction elucidating the significance and advantageous of MFDs. Subsequently, a brief description about the materials that employed in MFD fabrication is presented. The manufacturing process used to create MFDs is then thoroughly examined, with a focus on the application of laser technology.

Intraoral Applications of Lasers in the Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Fixed Partial Dentures-A Narrative Review.

Laser, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a powerful tool with diverse applications in modern dentistry. It emits monochromatic, coherent light resulting from photon-induced chain reactions. Available dental lasers include diode, argon, Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2. The unique property of these lasers, allowing them to be effectively used on both soft and hard tissues based on the operational parameters, positions them as particularly suited for a wide range of dental procedures. Compared to traditional methods, lasers offer advantages such as improved hemostasis and quicker wound healing. Such benefits stress the shift towards laser technology in dental treatment. In the realm of dental prosthodontics, which focuses on esthetics, functionality, and the physiological aspects of dental prostheses, lasers provide promising outcomes. Among the prosthetic options, fixed partial dentures stand out for their ability to mimic natural teeth, offering both esthetic and functional features, leading to satisfactory long-term outcomes if managed properly. This review paper delves into the specific application of laser technology in the context of prosthetic rehabilitation involving fixed partial dentures. By investigating intraoral laser procedures, it contributes to understanding laser's role in improving patients' satisfaction and clinical efficiency in this field.

Design of miniaturized wide band-pass plasmonic filters in MIM waveguides with tailored spectral filtering

This paper reports the design and numerical results of three new extremely compact and efficient flat-top band-pass plasmonic filters operating in the near-infrared region. The proposed structures are realized in metal–insulator-metal plasmonic waveguides based on stub, tilted T-junction and right-angle trapezoid configurations. A built-in parameterized genetic algorithm is applied to maximize the transmission efficiency, while at the same time contributing to shrinking down the size of the device structures. It is shown that the tunability of the optical filters can be realized by modulating their structural parameters to gain control over the band-pass filtering wavelengths. Numerical calculations are conducted based on the finite element method of CST Microwave Studio and demonstrate that the suggested ultra-compact plasmonic waveguide filters offer wide bandwidths of more than 270 nm, 424 nm, and 289 nm, with transmission efficiencies of higher than 80%, 74.2%, and 74.3%, respectively. The sizes of the proposed wavelength filters are 490 nm × 575 nm, 350 nm × 180 nm, and 420 nm × 150 nm, respectively, which make them attractive candidates for applications in high density photonic integrated circuits (PICs). As a result, because of the promising characteristics of the proposed topologies such as their high efficiency, compact size, tunability, and simple structure they may find applications in on-chip integration, laser technology, and multi-photon fluorescence.

A2Pb3[H2N(CH2COO)2]3Cl5 (A = K, Rb): Porous Crystals Constructed on [Pb3Cl5O6] Clusters with Comprehensive Nonlinear Optical Performance

AbstractNonlinear optical (NLO) crystals that can extend the frequency range of coherent light have significant applications in laser technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and lithography. Herein, two interesting NLO crystals, A2Pb3[H2N(CH2COO)2]3Cl5 (A = K, Rb), are rationally obtained. Their porous structures are constructed on [Pb3Cl5O6] clusters that possess large hyperpolarizability and polarizability anisotropy, and are arranged in a parallel manner. Remarkably, A2Pb3[H2N(CH2COO)2]3Cl5 (A = K, Rb) exhibits comprehensive NLO performance, including strong phase‐matching second‐harmonic generation (SHG) response, the widest bandgap among lead oxychloride NLO crystals, larger laser damage threshold than 127 MW cm−2, suitable birefringence of 0.11@1064 nm, high thermal stability, non‐deliquescence, as well as facile crystal growth. Theoretical calculations and structural analysis demonstrate that their strong SHG response is predominantly originated from the [Pb3Cl5O6] cluster. This study will provide a unique method for the discovery of new interesting NLO crystals in future.

Femtosecond Laser Microfabrication of Artificial Compound Eyes

Over millions of years of evolution, arthropods have intricately developed and fine-tuned their highly sophisticated compound eye visual systems, serving as a valuable source of inspiration for human emulation and tracking. Femtosecond laser processing technology has attracted attention for its excellent precision, programmable design capabilities, and advanced three-dimensional processing characteristics, especially in the production of artificial bionic compound eye structures, showing unparalleled advantages. This comprehensive review initiates with a succinct introduction to the operational principles of biological compound eyes, providing essential context for the design of biomimetic counterparts. It subsequently offers a concise overview of crucial manufacturing methods for biomimetic compound eye structures. In addition, the application of femtosecond laser technology in the production of biomimetic compound eyes is also briefly introduced. The review concludes by highlighting the current challenges and presenting a forward-looking perspective on the future of this evolving field.

Principal Analysis and Application of Laser Technology in Integrated Circuits

Since the constant development of science and technology and the popularization of electronic devices, integrated circuits are also developing in the direction of large scale and high precision. This requires the processing of integrated circuits to be constantly refined. This also prompted the laser technology has become an important processing technology in the manufacturing process of large-scale integrated circuits. Laser processing technology is a non-contact processing, its beam diameter is small, high-energy density, high productivity, stable and reliable processing quality. This paper for the laser welding, laser direct writing, laser detection and laser cleaning overview of the four-laser technology in the application of large-scale integrated circuits. And the working principle, type and process characteristics of these laser technologies are discussed. The development of laser technology has also limited the production of large-scale integrated circuits in some aspects. With the semiconductor laser, excimer laser process continues to mature, laser technology in integrated circuits will continue to expand the scope of application and break through the obstacles.

Study on the application of laser technology in the restoring and transformation of PbS on painted cultural relics

Lead white darkening is a common disease in all kinds of painted cultural relics. In this study, a combination of laser and photodynamic technology was used to achieve controlled restoration of lead sulfide at the lead darkening site on the painted layer of cultural relics by laser catalysis with porphyrin to produce singlet oxygen. The chromatic change, micromorphology and chemical composition were systematically studied for a simulated sample with the lead darkening part of the painted layer. The results show that laser catalytic treatment can repair the color darkening that occurs by the PbS formation, while no obvious changes to the pore and microparticle structure of the painted layer and the base. In this study, the pollutant of lead sulfide was proved to be converted into lead sulfate by oxidation, and then was converted to lead white by precipitation, which was the original composition of the pigment. It is also found that the laser catalytic treatment method can effectively avoid basic layer damages of cultural relics, especially for the papers, the silks and other organic materials. This technology not only provides a new approach for the restoration and transformation of PbS on painted cultural relics, but also makes available new applications for the laser and photodynamic technology in the field of cultural relics protection.

Laser-Driven Rapid Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Investigation of UV-NIR Optical Absorption, Luminescence, Photocatalytic Degradation, and Gas and Ion Adsorption Properties.

In this study, we designed a platform based on a laser-driven approach for fast, efficient, and controllable MOF synthesis. The laser irradiation method was performed for the first time to synthesize Zn-based MOFs in record production time (approximately one hour) compared to all known MOF production methods with comparable morphology. In addition to well-known structural properties, we revealed that the obtained ZnMOFs have a novel optical response, including photoluminescence behavior in the visible range with nanosecond relaxation time, which is also supported by first-principles calculations. Additionally, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with ZnMOF was achieved, degrading the 10 ppm methylene blue (MB) solution 83% during 1 min of irradiation time. The application of laser technology can inspire the development of a novel and competent platform for a fast MOF fabrication process and extend the possible applications of MOFs to miniaturized optoelectronic and photonic devices.