Method and apparatus for forming a feature in a workpiece by laser ablation with a laser beam having an adjustable intensity profile to redistribute the energy density impinging on the workpiece

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for removing material from an outer surface of a workpiece such as a catheter or other medical device. The method begins by generating a laser beam having an intensity profile and directing the laser beam onto the outer surface of the workpiece. After the laser beam is generated, its intensity profile is adjusted by a component such as a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a holographic optical element (HOE) so that material can be removed from the workpiece by ablation in a prescribed manner.