Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for laser-processing workpieces can be improved, and new functionalities can be provided. Some embodiments discussed relate to use of beam characterization tools to facilitate adaptive processing, process control and other desirable features. Other embodiments relate to laser power sensors incorporating integrating spheres. Still other embodiments relate to workpiece handling systems capable of simultaneously providing different workpieces to a common laser-processing apparatus. A great number of other embodiments and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

Abstract: A panel with an optically transmissive portion includes a group of holes drilled from one surface to another surface and filled with an optically transmissive material. The group of holes forms a pattern. The holes on a first surface form a smooth and continuous appearance to the naked eye. The holes on the other, second surface are sized so that a light source directed to the second surface illuminates the pattern to be visible to a viewer viewing the first surface. The panel may form a portion of a housing that houses the light source.

Abstract: A panel with an optically transmissive portion includes a group of holes drilled from one surface to another surface and filled with an optically transmissive material. The group of holes forms a pattern. The holes on a first surface form a smooth and continuous appearance to the naked eye. The holes on the other, second surface are sized so that a light source directed to the second surface illuminates the pattern to be visible to a viewer viewing the first surface. The panel may form a portion of a housing that houses the light source.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of interactive control systems, methods of making the same, and devices incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a light-resistant material; light-transmissive holes penetrating in a light-transmissive pattern through the light resistant material; and a lens disposed adjacent to the light-transmissive pattern.

Abstract: A method and laser processing system (2) addresses a substrate (102) with three different sets of laser processing parameters to achieve different surface effects in the substrate (102). A first set of laser parameters is employed to form a recess (106) in the substrate. A second set of laser parameters is employed to polish a surface (108) of the recess (106). A third set of laser parameters is employed to modify a polished surface (108) of the recess (106) to have optical characteristics that satisfy conditions for a desirable visual appearance.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a via with transparent material is presented, including the steps of providing a panel having a via, occluding the via with transparent material in a workable state so that a portion of the occluding material is internal to the via and a portion of the material is external to said via. The external and internal portions are separated so the transparent filler material, when set, forms a smooth and featureless surface. This causes the filled via to have a substantially even and uniform appearance over a wide range of viewing angles when lit.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of methods and apparatus for marking articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of marking an article includes providing an article having a preliminary visual appearance; modifying a region of the article; and directing a plurality of optical pulses into the modified region of the article. The plurality of optical pulses can be configured to produce a visible mark on the article. Generally, the mark can be characterized as having a modified visual appearance different from the preliminary visual appearance.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of interactive control systems, methods of making the same, and devices incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a light-resistant material; light-transmissive holes penetrating in a light-transmissive pattern through the light resistant material; and a lens disposed adjacent to the light-transmissive pattern.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

Abstract: A method for laser machining through micro-holes having desired geometric cross-section requirements in a thin, substantially homogenous material.

Abstract: An area of reduced thickness is formed in a panel, and a pattern of microscopic holes are formed in the area. The holes are filled with a light transmissive material such as a curable polymer. The thinned area may also be filled with a polymer to reinforce the thinned area and the polymer may be colored to add color to light transmitted through the pattern. The panel can form a portion of a housing surrounding a lighting source that makes the holes visible when lit.

Abstract: A method of forming a panel with an optically transmissive portion and resulting products. The method comprises drilling a via through a panel and filling the via with an optically transmissive material. A top surface and/or a bottom surface of the panel at the optically transmissive portion is smooth and continuous to the naked eye. The method can also be used to create a light transmissive section of a housing. A light source directed to one side of the via is seen through the optically transmissive material so as to be visible to a viewer viewing a surface at the second side of the via.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum.

Abstract: A laser micro-machining system includes a laser source positioned to direct a laser pulse through a scan lens to a work piece mounted on a work surface and a mirror positioned between the scan lens and the work piece and tilted with respect to the work surface to reflect the laser pulse toward the work piece. The mirror can be indexed to a number of positions so that only portions of the mirror are used for a number of processing steps, extending the life of the mirror.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

Abstract: A method of forming an isolated electrically conductive contact through a metallic substrate includes creating at least one via through the substrate, where the via includes a first opening in a top surface of the substrate, a second opening in an opposing bottom surface and at least one continuous sidewall extending therebetween. A dielectric sleeve is formed on the at least one sidewall of the via while preserving at least a portion of the through via. An electrically conductive filler is then placed into the via. In the examples disclosed, the filler may be a conductive ink or a conductive epoxy.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.