METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING THE MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE IN LASER MACHINING

摘要

Methods and apparatus for material modification using laser bursts including appropriately timed laser pulses to enhance material modification. In one implementation, a method for material modification comprises the steps of: providing bursts of laser pulses, wherein each burst comprises at least two laser pulses, wherein each laser pulse has a pulse duration within a range of between approximately 10 ps and 100 ns, wherein a time between each laser pulse of each burst is within a range of between approximately 5 ns and 5 mus; a time between successive bursts is greater than the time between each laser pulse comprising each burst; and directing the bursts upon a workpiece, wherein an intensity of a primary laser pulse of each burst exceeds a damage threshold of the workpiece.