Laser Surface Engineering

22

Laser-initiated ablation of materials

C. Dowding; A. Borman    University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK

Abstract

Laser micromachining is now a common method of surface modification and machining; utilizing a broad spectrum of wavelengths, wave forms, and pulse durations. The most accurate bulk geometric modification is achieved by the use of ablation via the application of short wavelengths to deliver large photons for absorption in minimal skin depth. Many lasers can generate beams in the ultraviolet region. Excimer lasers are one example of a native ultraviolet laser that exhibit many key beneficial attributes over competing laser sources. A number of micromachining techniques have been developed to utilize these specific source attributes. ...