Abstract: A method for removing a material from a surface includes passing a laser through a lens such that the laser impinges on the material. The surface from which the material is removed has an array of artifacts thereon with a spacing between the artifacts and a pitch between lines of the artifacts. At least the spacing between the artifacts is varied.

Abstract: A laser ablation process can be configured to reduce the appearance of or eliminate a potentially objectionable diffraction effect that can occur when a workpiece or product that has been subjected to the ablation process interacts with light. The diffraction effect can be reduced by introducing irregularity into the arrangement of overlapping laser spots during the process. Other process parameters may be modified to reduce the diffraction effect, such as laser scan speed, laser pulse frequency, the position of the focal plane of the laser, the configuration of raster lines, or the energy profile of the laser beam, for example. The process modifications and configurations are particularly useful with products including an ablated surface that is intended to reflect light or to allow light to pass therethrough as part of its function.

Abstract: A method is provided for laser ablation that reduces or eliminates a diffraction effect produced by damage to a surface from which an ablated material is removed. The method includes at least one of reducing the amount of surface damage produced and altering the damage structure produced such that it is irregular.

Abstract: A window system is provided that includes an electro-optic element having a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface has a first electrically conductive layer and a second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface has a second electrically conductive layer and a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity that is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A polymeric dust cover is positioned away from the electro-optic element defining at least two major surfaces and at least one indicia disposed in the dust cover. The indicia includes a plurality of damage channels having an aspect ratio greater than about 10:1.

Abstract: A laser system is configured to form at least one laser induced channel in a substrate and includes a laser and a laser path. The laser produces a laser beam, and the laser path includes an optical assembly that receives the laser beam and emits a conditioned laser beam. The optical assembly is configured to emit the conditioned laser beam with a substantially uniform focal energy distribution in a focal region defined along the direction of propagation. An apparatus includes a laser induced channel edge with a plurality of laser induced channels spanning some or all of the thickness of the substrate, which can be greater than 4 mm.

Abstract: A laser ablated product exhibits a diffraction severity of less than about 5. The product may include a substrate that is at least partially transparent to visible light, and a periodic structure formed on at least one surface of the substrate by laser ablation. The periodic structure has a period in at least one direction of at least about 4,500 nm to at most about 850,000 nm, and the periodic structure has a peak-to-valley dimension of less than about 25 nm. The product may be employed in an electrochromic device, such as a vehicle rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A window system is provided that includes an electro-optic element having a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface has a first electrically conductive layer and a second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface has a second electrically conductive layer and a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity that is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A polymeric dust cover is positioned away from the electro-optic element defining at least two major surfaces and at least one indicia disposed in the dust cover. The indicia includes a plurality of damage channels having an aspect ratio greater than about 10:1.

Abstract: A method of removing material from an opposite side of workpiece includes directing a laser beam at a first side of the workpiece to remove the material from an opposite second side of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for laser ablation that reduces or eliminates a diffraction effect produced by damage to a surface from which an ablated material is removed. The method includes at least one of reducing the amount of surface damage produced and altering the damage structure produced such that it is irregular.

Abstract: An electro-optic element is provided that includes a first substrate having a first surface, and a second surface having a first electrically conductive portion disposed thereon. The element also includes a second substrate having a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second electrically conductive portion disposed on at least the third surface. A primary seal is between the second and third surfaces, wherein the seal and the second and third surfaces define a cavity. An electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity. In addition, the second surface further includes at least one indicia disposed thereon between the electro-optic medium and the second surface.