Analysis of the laser patterning inside light guide panel

The objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of the internal patterning in the light guide panel (LGP) by applying laser engraving. LGP fabricated by the internal patterning is proposed as it offers better efficiency than is provided by bottom surface patterning. The patterns fabricated by laser engraving system could improve efficiency by approximately 40%, requiring less energy consumption in average brightness and uniformity than required by bottom surface patterned devices. Internal scatters were fabricated by Q-switched 2nd harmonic Nd:YAG laser engraving system. The performance of the fabricated LGPs was measured and its results analyzed. Modification of the shape of the LGP patterns from the simple geometry has been investigated to control the uniformity. The proposed internal scatter embedded LGP with laser engraving could provide an alternative method to conventional bottom surface scatters type with optimized patterns and geometry.     

Dynamic models relating processing parameters and melt track width during laser marking of clay tiles

This paper describes two dynamic models relating processing parameters and melt pool width during laser marking/engraving of clay tiles using a high-power diode laser. The models were determined by process identification techniques and were validated with a PI algorithm. The output variable considered for the laser clay tile marking process was melt pool width, measured by using a fast CCD recording system and analysed with an image-processing software. The input quantities investigated were laser power and traverse speed. Reasonable agreements between the measured data and the model outputs were achieved. Errors less than 1.3 μm of the melt pool width for the operating points were found. On the basis of these models a simple PI-controller was designed and tuned to guarantee zero steady-state error in case of an absorptivity disturbance.     

Experimental approach to the laser machining of PMMA substrates for the fabrication of microfluidic devices

This paper deals with CO₂ laser machining of a suitable amorphous polymer (PMMA) as a flexible technique for the rapid fabrication of miniaturized structures such as microfluidic devices.A model to estimate the main dimensions (depth and width) of the grooves produced by the laser on PMMA is presented, taking into account the influence of the main process parameters (incident power, scanning speed and spot diameter). This theoretical model allows to control the engraving process showing that laser could represent a valid alternative for the production of microchannels. PMMA single-use devices are found to be easier to manufacture with respect to the conventional glass or silicon products.In a second step, IR laser vaporization is adopted for the removal of a single layer of PMMA. This is achieved using multiple overlapping sequences of straight grooves with different scanning directions. The proposed technique showed that the removal depth varied proportionally with the number of layers machined, while surface roughness is influenced by the grooves spacing and the orientation of the scanning direction between successive layers.A method for thermally bonding the PMMA sheets, constituting the 3D structure of the chip, is also presented. The combination of high temperatures and low bonding pressures makes it possible to generate a bulk junction enabling good performances in terms of sealing characteristics.     

Laser marking of a laminated surface characterized by an optodynamic method

Marking plain surfaces using laser ablation is widely used in a serial production. However, during a laser marking of small laminated surfaces, a problem arises as a consequence of the gaps between the laminations; this tends to decrease the efficiency of the process. Therefore, a real-time measuring method that can be implemented in an industrial system for laser processing is required. In this contribution, we describe an optodynamic method for the on-line characterization of pulsed-laser marking of a laminated surface. The processing-laser beam generates an optodynamic response, i.e., the shock waves, which then spread into the surrounding gas. By using a laser-beam-deflection probe, the analysis of the obtained signals indirectly enables the real-time monitoring of the surface structure. Evaluation of the results obtained by our on-line measuring method is made by two techniques: non-destructive microscopy with extended depth of field and destructive cross-section measurements with optical microscopy. The performed experiments demonstrate that the established experimental system can simultaneously detect the changes in the laser-marking process. Furthermore, it can provide the position and the size of a gap as well as the orientation and the inclination of the samples.     

三维形貌柔性测量系统标定方法及验证

为了避免机器人模型误差对三维形貌柔性测量系统手眼标定的影响,对手眼关系的标定方法进行了研究。提出了一种融合特征点拟合的手眼标定方法。将三维形貌扫描仪安装在工业机器人末端搭建三维形貌柔性测量系统。标定时,首先利用激光跟踪仪对工业机器人末端法兰盘坐标系进行测量,得到两者转换关系;然后,利用三维形貌扫描仪和激光跟踪仪对空间固定的特征点组进行测量,利用特征点约束和基于罗德里格矩阵的算法求解两者转换关系即可间接地求解出手眼关系。基于ATOS三维扫描仪、安川HP20D机器人和API公司生产的激光跟踪仪进行了手眼标定实验,并进行了精度验证。结果表明:标定后的三维形貌柔性测量系统,其重复性测量精度(3σ)不超过0.1 mm,长度测量精度的均方根误差在0.2 mm以内,点云拼接精度优于±0.7 mm。该方法有效避免了传统手眼标定过程中会引入机器人模型误差的问题,在求解手眼关系解时采用了线性的解法,并且适用于三维形貌柔性测量系统。     

A scribing laser marking system using DSP controller

Laser marking is an important branch of laser processing technology, and has been widely used in many fields of industry. Digital signal processor (DSP) is an incredibly fast and powerful microprocessor that can deal with signals in real time. Not only it is portable but has the ability to integrate the processing signals of subsystems. In this research, it is emphasized that we designed a scribing laser marking system based on a DSP in galvanometric marking method. To control the rotating angle of the galvanometric scanning mirrors more accurately, we combine the D/A converter of the DSP with the human–machine interface successfully. The whole marking system is not only inexpensive, but also miniaturized.     

Photoetching of spherical microlenses on glasses using a femtosecond laser

We fabricated spherical microlenses on optical glasses by femtosecond laser direct writing (FLDW) in ambient air. To achieve good appearances of the microlenses, a meridian-arcs scanning method was used after a selective multilayer removal process with spiral scanning paths. A positive spherical microlens with diameter of 48 μm and height of 13.2 μm was fabricated on the surface of the glass substrate. The optical performances of the microlens were also tested. Compared to the conventional laser direct writing (LDW) technique, this work could provide an effective method for precise shape-controlled fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microstructures with curved surfaces on difficult-to-cut materials for practical applications.     

Femtosecond laser color marking of metal and semiconductor surfaces

Color marking of rough or smooth metal (Al, Cu, Ti) and semiconductor (Si) surfaces was realized via femtosecond laser fabrication of periodic surface nanorelief, representing one-dimensional diffraction gratings. Bright colors of the surface nanorelief, especially for longer electromagnetic wavelengths, were provided during marking through pre-determined variation of the laser incidence angle and the resulting change of the diffraction grating period. This coloration technique was demonstrated for the case of silicon and various metals to mark surfaces in any individual color with a controllable brightness level and almost without their accompanying chemical surface modification.     

Etching-assisted femtosecond laser microfabrication

Although femtosecond laser microfabrication is one of the most promising three-dimensional(3D) fabrication techniques, it could suffer from low fabrication efficiency for structures with high 3D complexities. By using etching as a main assistant technique, the processing can be speeded up and an improved structure surface quality can be provided. However,the assistance of a single technique cannot satisfy the increasing demands of fabrication and integration of highly functional 3D microstructures. Therefore, a multi-technique-based 3D microfabrication method is required. In this paper, we briefly review the recent development on etching-assisted femtosecond laser microfabrication(EAFLM). Various processing approaches have been proposed to further strengthen the flexibilities of the EAFLM. With the use of the multi-technique-based microfabrication method, 3D microstructure arrays can be rapidly defined on planar or curved surfaces with high structure qualities.     

一种形位不确定回转壳体内壁表面的激光测量与重构方法研究

针对形位不确定回转壳体内表面的测量及重构问题,提出了一种准在线纵截线测量与曲面重构方法.通过粗、精测量相结合的实现过程,首先根据技术文件提取回转壳体的基本信息,并针对内表面存在的不确定性,建立一种模糊调节规则,对回转壳体内表面的形位进行预测,实时调整激光测量的角度与位置,完成测量.搭建激光测试试验平台,开发了模块化的测试平台软件系统.采用所提方法对回转壳体内表面进行测量试验研究,得到待测回转壳体内表面的三维数据,并进一步根据回转曲面二次加工的要求对曲面的重构方法进行分析,重构回转壳体内壁的三维曲面实体模型.试验结果表明,曲面模型的相对误差绝对值平均值小于0.024%.     

使用激光跟踪仪测量研磨阶段离轴非球面面形

为满足离轴非球面镜在光学检验前的面形检测需求,对使用激光跟踪仪测量离轴非球面的方法进行了研究。详细介绍了使用激光跟踪仪测量离轴非球面的检测步骤及数据处理方法。使用激光跟踪仪对一处于研磨阶段的口径为150 mm,顶点曲率半径为1200 mm,离轴量为240 mm的离轴抛物面镜进行了测量,进行了测量不确定度分析并与三坐标测量机的测量结果进行了比对。结果显示激光跟踪仪与三坐标测量机的面形测量峰谷值一致性优于1 μm。分析及实验结果表明此检测方法简单易行,灵活通用,适用于离轴非球面抛光前的面形检测。     

郎奇法检测大口径光学非球面镜

提出了一种用朗奇法定量检测大口径非球面的新技术。主要以大口径非球面镜的加工表面为研究对象,设计了大口径非球面检测系统,该系统由CCD摄像机、He-Ne激光器、郎奇光栅、微型计算机等组成。并利用大口径非球面检测系统对一个顶点曲率半径为1638．69mm,被测曲面半通光口径为315mm的光学元件的面形进行了实际测量,给出了光学元件标准偏差和峰谷值测量结果。最后对测量结果进行了讨论。研究结果表明：基于郎奇法的几何原理,利用CCD摄像系统定量检测大口径非球面的方法具有较高的精度。     

A method for measuring the thickness of transparent oil film on water surface using laser trigonometry

We present a method for measurement of thickness of transparent oil film on water surface based on laser trigonometry. With an oblique incident mode of single-point laser triangulation ranging system, laser light is incident on the upper and lower surfaces of the oil film being measured and an ellipse light spot is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the oil film. The two light spots are imaged on an image plane CCD by an imaging lens and the image spot is formed and stored in a computer. The thickness of oil film being measured can be obtained by displacement of the image spot and the configuration parameter of the imaging system. The experiment is conducted using edible peanut oil and diesel oil. The research results show that the method presented in this paper is feasible and applicable to dynamic on-line measurement of oil film thickness of oil spill on sea surface.     

Coloration of a metal surface under pulsed laser irradiation

The regimes of irradiation using nanosecond laser pulses for creation of color images on stainless-steel and titanium surfaces upon laser engraving are studied. Parameters of radiation that correspond to the spectrum of resulting colors on the sample surface are experimentally determined. The spectral analysis of the irradiated area is performed and probe microscopy is used to study the surface relief. Complicated surface relief that results from irradiation indicates the contribution of several optical effects responsible for the surface color under laser engraving.     

激光法红外热像镜组中心偏测量与调校研究

论述了多镜片成像光学镜组中心偏的理论表征 ,以及自准反射旋转法测量中心偏的原理。设计了用于红外光学镜组的中心偏检测系统。系统包括用于 8～ 14 μm红外光学系统中心偏测量的CO2 激光 ;可调焦望远镜 ;采用TGS热释电热像仪与计算机配合的数据读出及处理系统 ;径向跳动≤ 1μm ,轴向晃动≤ 1″的高精密基准轴工作台。系统测量中心偏精度为 :角度≤ 2″ ,线度≤ 0 .0 2mm。给出了中心偏数据处理程序。系统也可用于在线装校 ,更换光源 (用He Ne激光代替CO2 激光 )系统可用于 3～ 5 μm红外光学系统的测量。进一步改进并利用激光的相干特性 ,系统可实现中心偏测量精度≤ 1μm。     

Wood engraving by Q-switched diode-pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG green laser

Laser deep engraving is one of the most promising technologies to be used in wood carver operations. In this method, a laser beam is used to ablate a solid wood bulk, following predetermined patterns. The sculpture is obtained by repeating this process on each successive thin layer. Obviously, in order to achieve larger material removal rates, the process needs a controllable variation of the depth to carve a 3D (three dimensional) profiles.The degree of precision of the shape, the removal rate and the surface quality during the engraving process strictly depend on the materials properties, the laser source characteristics and the process parameters.The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the process parameters on the material removal rates by engraving panels made of different types of wood using a Q-switched diode-pumped Nd:YAG green laser working with a wavelength λ=532 nm. The examined parameters were: the mean power that depends on the pulse frequency, the beam speed and the number of laser scansions, also called repetitions. The working parameters and the engraved depth were related and an energy-based model was proposed in order to predict the latter.Experimental results showed that the Q-switched diode-pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG green laser can be successfully used to machine different types of wood, obtaining decorative drawing and 3D engraved geometries without burning. However, an accurate selection of the wood types and the process parameters is necessary in order to obtain deep engraving without carbonization and a homogeneous carving.     

Improved phase demodulation for grain orientation measurement

The method of phase demodulation for wood grain orientation measurement has been improved by employing a laser sampling system instead of a laser scanning system and using an edge detection algorithm rather than an intensity detection algorithm. The laser sampling system is able to determine the average grain angle and estimate the wood defect distribution much faster and more accurate than the laser scanning system. The edge detection algorithm is able to transform not only an oriented laser pattern but also an oriented wood texture into a periodic histogram. For the hardwoods with weak tracheid effect but the texture direction indicative of the grain orientation, the orientation measurement of laser pattern can be replaced by the orientation measurement of wood texture.     

Calibration procedure for 3D measurement systems using two cameras and a laser line

In order to ensure the precision of the measurement of complex 3D object surfaces using non-contact laser scanning systems, a novel stereo vision calibration procedure based on a laser line projection plane is presented. This calibration procedure can also be used in measurement systems based on a single camera and a laser line projection. This procedure, while using only laser-coplanar points, is oriented towards laser line detection and allows the matching of two images on the laser projection plane without the use of a rigid motion equation. These features make this procedure very precise, simple and, consequently, easier to implement.     

The advances and characteristics of high-power diode laser materials processing

This paper presents a review of the direct applications of high-power diode lasers for materials processing including soldering, surface modification (hardening, cladding, glazing and wetting modifications), welding, scribing, sheet metal bending, marking, engraving, paint stripping, powder sintering, synthesis, brazing and machining. The specific advantages and disadvantages of diode laser materials processing are compared with CO₂, Nd:YAG and excimer lasers. An effort is made to identify the fundamental differences in their beam/material interaction characteristics and materials behaviour. Also an appraisal of the future prospects of the high-power diode lasers for materials processing is given.     

Laser photochromic dye activation technique for the measurement of liquid free surface velocity on curved surfaces

An optical method is presented which permits the determination of the free surface velocity of liquid films flowing on curved surfaces. The feasibility of this technique, which involves the laser tomography and photochromic dye activation techniques, is demonstrated on an oil film flowing around a finned tube. Results for different tube geometries and flow conditions are presented. Advantages and limits of the laser photochromic velocimetry technique are discussed.