High energy ultrafast fiber laser systems and their application to high quality medical device processing Available to Purchase

Ultrafast lasers based on fiber optic architecture and integrated software controls will play a dominant role in the spread of these lasers into commercial and industrial applications. The principle challenges are to generate adequate pulse energy from singlemode fiber amplifiers, which have small cross-sectional area, and to perform all tuning and control processes with embedded electronics and robust software. We demonstrate an all-fiber erbium amplifier system that produces >100 µJ per pulse with femtosecond class pulsewidth, excellent beam quality, and an autonomous control system. We present details regarding our laser platform micromachining performance with specific focus on innovative medical device manufacturing. As example, we show processing of relevant metal alloys and dielectrics without burrs, slag, or heat affected zone. Hence fewer post-processing steps are needed during device fabrication. We also discuss the salient reliability and lifetime topics that are necessary for ultrafast lasers to spread into realistic industrial environments.