Photographic quality inscription in plastic by laser to make e.g. identity cards

摘要

A new laser inscription system comprises a resonator operating in pulsed mode with an active (lasing) medium (4) and two laser resonator mirrors (1). External to the resonator, a deflection unit (9), positions the laser beam onto the object being inscribed. A modulator (3) introduced into the resonator, Q-switches the laser in continuously-pumped operation. In the path of the beam, outside the resonator, an external modulator (5) is arranged, able to split the beam in two (10, 11). One ray (10) is intercepted, the other (11) is used for inscription. Also claimed are the corresponding equipment to carry out laser inscription; and use of the equipment to inscribe common plastics, including ABS, PVC or polycarbonate. Inscription of pixels may be carried out using a grey scale.