Jenoptik's Lasers and Material Processing division has launched the JenLas D2.fs, a new femtosecond laser. Based on diode-pumped disk laser technology, this laser provides a high level of parameter stability. Developed for application in industrial environments, the working temperature range was extended to 15-35 °C.
The laser emits high pulse energies of up to 40μJ at 100kHz repetition rate and can operate in the 30-200kHz range. The beam quality of M² ≤ 1.25 near the theoretical limit, together with pulse duration of ≤400fs opens new laser applications in industry.
To ensure industry capability, every laser is subjected to strict type tests to guarantee safe function under typical conditions of transportation, storage and operation. This includes climate and shock tests, noise immunity to external electrical noise and compliance with the low EMC standards for electrical noise emission. Major features include ease of integration of the turn-key laser in complex machines and plants. For example, the actuation signal can be released by software or hardware.
Due to the specific properties of the impact of ultra-short femtosecond laser pulses on different materials, new laser applications can be found. For example, these laser pulses are excellent for all material processing applications for which minimal heat effects during processing are important. Another area includes processing inside of transparent materials, such as glass, transparent plastics and transparent function layers. A third and final field of application is the selective ablation of individual layers in multiple-layer systems consisting of different materials.
Concrete industry applications in these areas include the 3D-micro material ablation of metal or polymer (e.g., cutting of stents), thin layer ablation in the semiconductor industry or the removal of dielectric layers on crystal solar cells in photovoltaics. Other applications are the scribing of sapphire substrate, the processing of dental ceramics and the internal marking of glass.