Abstract: A method of suppressing distortion of a working laser beam directed for incidence on a target specimen presented for processing by a laser link processing system uses a spatial filter to remove stray light-induced distortion from the working laser beam.

Abstract: A laser is characterized by a PRF (pulse repetition frequency) parameter that specifies a PRF at which pulses produced by the laser have desirable pulse properties for irradiating a target on or within a workpiece. The laser emits a laser pulse that propagates along a laser beam propagation path terminating at a laser beam spot on the workpiece. A method is effective to operate the laser at an effective PRF lower than the PRF parameter without substantially degrading the desirable pulse properties. The method receives data indicating the location on the workpiece of the target to be selectively irradiated with the laser pulse.

Abstract: A laser-based workpiece processing system includes sensors connected to a sensor controller that converts sensor signals into focused spot motion commands for actuating a beam steering device, such as a two-axis steering mirror. The sensors may include a beam position sensor for correcting errors detected in the optical path, such as thermally-induced beam wandering in response to laser or acousto-optic modulator pointing stability, or optical mount dynamics.

Abstract: A laser processes a workpiece with laser pulses delivered at random time intervals and at substantially constant energy levels by characterizing the laser cavity discharge behavior and utilizing that information for adjusting dummy pulse time periods to compensate for the energy errors. Dummy pulses are laser pulses that are blocked from reaching a workpiece. A second way for providing constant pulse energies employs an AOM for varying amounts of laser energy passed to the workpiece. A third way of providing constant pulse energies entails extending the pulse period of selected pulses to allow additional laser cavity charging time whenever a dummy pulse is initiated.