Precision Micro Lasers & Ultrafast Systems
When features are measured in microns, not millimeters, you need specialized laser technology. Femtosecond and picosecond lasers enable cold ablation with virtually no heat-affected zone.
Pulse Duration Spectrum
- Nanosecond (ns): 10⁻⁹s - Standard industrial lasers, some thermal effects
- Picosecond (ps): 10⁻¹²s - Minimal HAZ, good for precision work
- Femtosecond (fs): 10⁻¹⁵s - True cold ablation, ultimate precision
Why Ultrafast Matters
Traditional laser machining creates a melt pool—material is heated, melted, and blown away. This works for most applications but creates:
- Heat-affected zones (HAZ) that change material properties
- Recast layers and burr formation
- Micro-cracking in brittle materials
- Limits on feature size and edge quality
Ultrafast lasers deposit energy faster than heat can conduct away. Material transitions directly from solid to vapor—"cold ablation" with HAZ measured in nanometers, not microns.
Applications
Electronics & Semiconductors
- PCB via drilling (micro-via, blind/buried)
- Flexible circuit processing
- Wafer scribing and dicing
- Display glass cutting (OLED panels)
Medical Devices
- Stent cutting (nitinol, cobalt-chrome)
- Catheter components
- Implant surface texturing
- Corneal surgery (femto-LASIK)
Precision Components
- Watch components and micro-gears
- Fuel injector nozzles
- Aerospace sensors
- Diamond tool machining
Research & Development
- Metamaterial fabrication
- Two-photon polymerization
- Nanostructure creation
Precision Laser Systems
Key Specifications
Pulse Duration
Shorter = less thermal damage, but also less material removal per pulse.
- Femtosecond (100-500fs): Ultimate quality, slower processing
- Picosecond (1-50ps): Excellent quality, better throughput
Repetition Rate
MHz-class repetition rates enable high speed despite low pulse energy. Burst-mode (multiple pulses per trigger) further increases throughput.
Wavelength
- IR (1030-1064nm): Good for metals
- Green (515-532nm): Better for silicon, transparent materials
- UV (343-355nm): Smallest spot sizes, organics
Beam Quality (M²)
Ultrafast lasers typically achieve M² < 1.2, enabling tight focusing. Combined with short wavelength, this enables sub-10µm spot sizes.
Motion Platforms
The laser source is only half the story. Precision micro-machining requires exceptional motion systems:
- Linear motors: Direct drive, no backlash
- Air bearings: Frictionless, ultra-smooth motion
- Granite bases: Thermal stability
- Sub-micron encoders: Position feedback at nm resolution
Leading Suppliers
- TRUMPF: TruMicro series (ps and fs)
- Coherent: Monaco, Astrella (fs oscillators)
- IPG: YLPF series ultrafast fiber lasers
- Amplitude: French specialist, femtosecond focus
- Light Conversion: Pharos, Carbide series
Calculate Power Density
Use our calculator to understand focusing geometry and fluence.
Power Density Calculator →