LASER CUTTING OF ION-EXCHANGEABLE GLASS SUBSTRATES

摘要

This laser cutting process makes use of a short pulse laser in combination with optics that generate a focal line to fully perforate the body of a range of ion-exchangeable glass compositions. The glass is moved relative to the laser beam to create perforated lines that trace out the shape of any desired parts. The glass may be cut pre-ion exchange, or may be cut post-ion exchange. The laser creates hole-like defect zones that penetrate the full depth the glass, of approximately 1 micron in diameter. These perforations or defect regions are generally spaced from 1 to 15 microns apart.