Method and apparatus for micro-machining of articles that include polymeric materials

摘要

A micro-machining apparatus includes a mode-locked, infrared laser system with a high reflector and an output coupler that define an oscillator cavity which produces an output beam. A gain medium and a mode locking device are positioned in the oscillator cavity. A diode pump source produces a pump beam that is incident on the gain medium. A second harmonic generator is coupled to the oscillator cavity. A third harmonic generator is coupled to the second harmonic generator and produces a UV output beam. An output beam directing apparatus directs the output beam to a polymeric surface of an article. At least a portion of the polymeric material is micro-machined by the output beam.