Abstract: A system and method for modifying an article to increase resistance to crack propagation are disclosed. The method includes providing a system, positioning one or more lasers, and directing a predetermined energy to a topographical feature on a surface of an article.

Abstract: Terminal pins comprising a refractory metal forming a full perimeter weld connected to a terminal block comprising a dissimilar metal incorporated into feedthrough filter capacitor assemblies are discussed. The feedthrough filter capacitor assemblies are particularly useful for incorporation into implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and the like, to decouple and shield internal electronic components of the medical device from undesirable electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing nanostructured surfaces are particularly suited for producing surfaces having very low roughness over large lateral extents. The method includes the following steps: providing an article having a surface to be structured; generating short-pulse laser radiation with laser pulses whose pulse durations lie in the subnanosecond range, preferably in the range of 100 fs to 300 fs, directing the short-pulse laser radiation onto the surface to be structured on the article, such that a fluence F of each individual pulse of the short-pulse laser radiation is less than a multishot threshold fluence Fth for a multishot laser ablation, but the fluence F is chosen to be high enough that defects can be produced by way of nonlinear interactions. Preferably, a fluence F in the range of 65% to 95% of the multishot threshold fluence Fth for a multishot laser ablation is used.

Abstract: A laser is used to a form information indicative of a pattern on a surface of a support piece formed from a compressed wood fiber product substrate. The pattern can be a wood grain. The field of the laser is increased, to allow lazing more of the material at once. According to an embodiment, the field is increased in a way that does not reduce the resolution of the lasing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing the forming of cracks and slowing the crack propagation in metallic airplane structural parts by laser shock peening with the following steps: Providing an airplane structural part having a crack; irradiating a first surface area of the airplane structural part close to the crack with a first pulsed laser beam having a first wavelength and a first pulsation frequency, wherein energy of the first laser beam is absorbed by the airplane structural part and a shock wave runs through the airplane structural part, which creates compressive prestressings in the airplane structural part.

Abstract: Direct-metal deposition (DMD), preferably under closed-loop control, is used to fabricate alloy-variant material structures which provide a combination of desirable physical and mechanical properties. Use of the invention facilitates the production of high-strength, high-wear, and impact-resistant structures which decrease the likelihood of erosion, heat checking and brittle failure in injection molds, die casting, thixomolding and other, more exotic tooling. The invention uses DMD to deposit a first material or alloy in an area exposed to high wear, such as the tooling gate area, with a second material or alloy being used elsewhere in the tool for greater impact resistance. Advantageously, the areas may be of a user-defined thickness to further improve longevity. The resulting composite material structure has mechanical properties (i.e.

Abstract: A system for laser shock peening includes a laser positioned to direct a laser pulse at a first side of a work piece and a coupler on a second side of the work piece. The system further includes a Doppler shift detector positioned to measure a velocity of the coupler. A method for laser shock peening includes depositing an amount of energy from a laser pulse into a first side of a work piece and transmitting a pulse having a first frequency at a second side of the work piece. The method further includes receiving a reflected pulse having a second frequency from the second side of the work piece and determining the velocity of the work piece based on the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

Abstract: A downhole device with compressive layer at the surface thereof. Such devices may be particularly well suited for survivability in the face of potentially long term exposure to a downhole environment. Techniques for forming protective compressive layers at the surfaces of such devices may include positioning devices within a chamber for bombardment by high frequency particles. As a manner of enhancing the compressive layer thickness and effectiveness, low temperature conditions may be applied to the device during the high frequency treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a three-dimensional structure having a fine three-dimensional shape and a smooth surface is disclosed in which the three-dimensional structure is usable for an optical device. The process method includes depositing a thin layer for absorption of laser light on a flat substrate; depositing a transparent layer on the thin layer for absorption of laser light; and irradiating a process laser light, passing through the transparent layer; in which pulse injection energy of the process laser light is set to be the same as or smaller than the maximum pulse injection energy capable of exposing a surface of the thin layer in front in the incident direction of the process laser light, and to be set the same as or greater than the minimum pulse injection energy capable of removing the transparent layer in rear in the incident direction of the process laser light.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal mask for screen printing is provided, in which dross that is deposited at the time a boring operation is conducted via a laser beam is removed, without causing warpage or bending. The method for producing a metal mask for screen printing includes steps of: forming openings in the metal plate by melting the metal plate at positions irradiated by the laser beam; and ejecting an abrasive onto the other surface of the metal plate after the openings are formed. The abrasive ejected in the abrasive ejection step is one having a predetermined flat shape (plate-shaped abrasive), so as to form a plate shape having a flat surface, or an elastically deformable abrasive, with an average grain diameter of a dispersed or carried abrasive grain being 1 mm to 0.1 ?m, and which is ejected at an incident angle of equal to or less than 80 degrees with respect to the other surface of the metal plate, and at an ejection pressure of 0.01 MPa to 0.

Abstract: A laser shock peening process for producing one or more compressive residual stress regions in a medical device is disclosed. A high-energy laser apparatus can be utilized to direct an intense laser beam through a confining medium and onto the target surface of a workpiece. An absorption overlay disposed on the target surface of the workpiece absorbs the laser beam, inducing a pressure shock wave that forms a compressive residual stress region deep within the workpiece. Medical devices such as stents and guidewires having one or more of these compressive residual stress regions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provide a pulse laser processing device which facilitates stable microfabrication of the surface of a large target processing material, and an increase in the speed of microfabrication. The pulse laser processing device includes a reference clock oscillating circuit which generates a clock signal, a laser oscillator which emits a pulse laser beam synchronized with the clock signal, a laser scanner which scans a pulse laser beam only in a one-dimensional direction in synchronization with the clock signal, a stage on which the target processing material can be placed and which moves in a direction orthogonal to the one-dimensional direction, and a pulse picker which is provided on an optical path between the laser oscillator and laser scanner and which switches pass and block of the pulse laser beam in synchronization with the clock signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods process structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using a series of laser pulses. In one embodiment, a deflector is configured to selectively deflect the laser pulses within a processing window. The processing window is scanned over the semiconductor substrate such that a plurality of laterally spaced rows of structures simultaneously pass through the processing window. As the processing window is scanned, the deflector selectively deflects the series of laser pulses among the laterally spaced rows within the processing window. Thus, multiple rows of structures may be processed in a single scan.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining misalignment of a powder feed nozzle and a laser beam. The method includes forming a test structure on a workpiece in at least two different directions by deposition laser welding with powder at substantially constant deposition parameters without relative rotation between a powder feed nozzle and a laser beam, measuring heights and/or wall thicknesses of the test structure along the test structure, and determining a direction and/or an amount of misalignment of the powder feed nozzle relative to the laser beam based on the measured heights and/or wall thicknesses.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface is disclosed. According to some aspects, the method includes ejecting matter from the surface by projecting an ejection agent on the surface. The ejection agent is selected from gases, fluids in supercritical state, solid materials in divided form,. solid materials in a as vector and electromagnetic radiation. The method includes trapping the ejected matter in one or several pieces of an aerogel situated on trajector of the ejected matter. A device for car in out this method as well as the use of an aerogel to trap the matter ejected from a surface during a treatment of that surface are also disclosed. The method may be applied in fields including cleaning, satinizing, polishing, deburring, etching, marking, pre-adhesion surface preparation metallization enameling, painting or varnishing operations are done, in particular electronics, microelectronics, optics, optoelectronics, bijouterie, jewelry, and the restoration of art and antiques.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaped part, the method including: (I) providing a partially consolidated porous part that has been made from a powder; (II) permeating the porous part with a volatile liquid (e.g. water, ethanol), so that the liquid is present in the pores of the porous part; and (V) forming the shaped part by applying a laser beam to a spot on the surface of the liquid-permeated part to cause the volatile liquid to heat in the spot region, causing the powder particles to separate in the spot region, so that a portion of the part is ablated in the spot region. The porous part may be made from metallic or ceramic powder and has been partially consolidated for integrity, but is ablated by this lower energy, liquid-assisted laser process, prior to further strengthening. The method allows bespoke, complex shaped parts such as aerospace parts or medical implants to be made inexpensively, especially shaped titanium parts.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for a firm bonding of a first material with a second material by means of soldering through focused laser radiation impacting on the first material, with the output controlled in dependence on the temperature measured in the area of the impacting focused laser radiation. To assure that surface properties will not lead to a noticeable distortion of the material temperature to be measured so that a reproducible, high quality soldering will be possible, it is provided for the temperature to be measured in an area of the first material that is adjacent to that in which the focused laser radiation impacts on the first material, with the area in which the temperature is measured and the area of impact of the laser radiation lying within the area of the soldering spot.

Abstract: A laser processing method includes the steps of: preparing a long metal object to be irradiated; and irradiating the object with a laser beam at a certain portion in a longitudinal direction of the object. The irradiation is performed along a width direction of the object for both a first half path from one end to the other end of the object in the width direction and a return path from the other end to the one end so that the object can be bent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a sensor for determining the hydrocarbon dew point in a gas, in particular in a gaseous fuel. According to the invention a roughened condensation surface is provided on a planar measurement surface of a transparent body. Light is shone onto the roughened condensation surface through the transparent body and the intensity of the light reflected back into the transparent body is measured. The hydrocarbon dew point temperature can be inferred from changes in the intensity of the light which is reflected back when heating or cooling the condensation surface.

Abstract: A method and device for processing materials with laser pulses having a large spectral bandwidth and a device for carrying out said method. The aim of the invention is to create an easy, flexible method enabling universally applicable processing which can, however, be adapted to specific processing and methodological requirements. According to the invention, one or several spectral parameters of the laser pulses, i.e. the spectral amplitude and/or spectral phase and/or spectral polarization thereof, is/are specifically modified, preferably according to a measuring process variable, in order to process material or during the occurrence of said processing. The invention is used in order to process material with laser pulses having a large spectral bandwidth, particularly femto-second pulses and pico-second pulses.

Abstract: A method for treating a Zr-alloy fuel bundle material in a nuclear reactor includes treating a surface of the Zr-alloy fuel bundle material with a laser beam generated by a solid-state laser, and a nuclear reactor including a treated Zr-alloy fuel bundle material. This may reduce the generation of shadow corrosion and/or reduce the propensity for interference between control blade and fuel channel during operation of the nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A method is described, for treating a superalloy substrate which includes at least one cavity containing adherent metal oxide material on its surface. A short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed against the cavity surface for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all of the adherent metal oxide material. The laser beam is characterized by a peak power density in the range of about 10 megawatts/cm2 to about 10 gigawatts/cm2. In another embodiment, a high-power, short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed to a region on the substrate which includes the cavity, under laser operational conditions which are capable of cutting into the superalloy material; so that a boundary region is formed within the substrate, which encloses the cavity. The cavity can be a crack in a turbine blade, and the crack can be repaired after treatment, by welding, or by another suitable technique.

Abstract: In laser micromachining and laser defect repair of a first material, a first set of one or more laser wavelengths is selected in accordance with the first material's absorption characteristics and is combined and delivered concurrently with a second set of one or more laser wavelengths which is selected in accordance with the absorption characteristics of a second material generated by and remaining from the ablating interaction of the first material with the first set of laser wavelengths. The concurrent presence of the second set of one or more laser wavelengths removes the residual second material.

Abstract: In a method for soldering contact wires to a side of a solar cell for producing the electrical contact-making, the solar cells have at least one metallic strip-shaped region. A contact wire is soldered onto the latter for the electrical connection of the solar cell, wherein the soldering duration or the duration of the energy input externally onto the soldering region is very short and is less than 800 ms.

Abstract: A laser beam irradiation apparatus irradiates a laser beam onto a sealing unit disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate so as to seal the first substrate and the second substrate. The laser beam has a beam intensity which increases from a center portion to an end portion of the laser beam on a surface which is perpendicular to a proceeding direction of the laser beam. The beam intensity at the center portion of the laser beam is half of the beam intensity at the end portion of the laser beam or less, and the laser beam has a beam profile which is symmetrical relative to the proceeding direction of the laser beam.

Abstract: A powder metallurgical article and process are disclosed. The article is a repaired or enlarged powder metallurgical article. The repaired or enlarged powder metallurgical article includes a formed article including a first alloy and a material including a second alloy. The material is welded to the formed article to form the repaired or enlarged powder metallurgical article. The repaired or enlarged powder metallurgical article includes a substantially uniform grain structure.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus 1 includes a processing light source 3 emitting processing light; an observation light emitting unit 4 emitting observation light; optical fibers 19 conducting light having a plurality of wavelengths generated at an electronic component 2; a detecting unit 5 detecting the light conducted by the optical fibers 19; and a control unit 31 controlling a light emitting state of the processing light emitting unit 3. The optical fibers 19 are categorized into four groups, and disposed so as to surround an optical fiber 18 conducting the processing light. The optical fibers 19 categorized into the four groups are capable of conducting the observation light to the electronic component 2 every group.

Abstract: A method for laser shock processing a device, including a metallic body having a surface, comprises conformally applying a compliant solid material to the first region on the surface of the metallic body and applying a layer of ablative material to the second region on the surface of the metallic body. A damping liquid is flowed over the layer of ablative material. An array of pulses of laser energy is directed through the damping fluid to impact the layer of ablative material on the surface and peen the surface in the second region. The pulses induce pressure waves within the metallic body which propagate to the surface in the first region. The compliant solid material acts as a momentum trap, so that the acoustic waves are at least partially coupled into the compliant solid material and attenuated outside of the metallic body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves there through. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shockwaves. The method includes applying a liquid energy-absorbing overlay, which is resistant to erosion and dissolution by the transparent water overlay and which is resistant to drying to a portion of the surface of the solid material and then applying a transparent overlay to the coated portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave. Advantageously, at least a portion of the unspent energy-absorbing overlay can be reused in situ at a further laser treatment location and/or recovered for later use.

Abstract: A method of forming extremely small pores in a substrate that is used, for example, in patch clamp applications is provided that employs an energy absorbing material beyond a back side of the substrate to allow a laser to be focused adjacent the exit side of the substrate so as to generate a pore through the substrate and can also form a crater in the back side of the substrate and in which the pore may propagate from the crater in a drilling direction that can oppose a laser transmission direction.

Abstract: In a method for producing a weakened zone, in particular a predetermined breaking point for an airbag exit opening, in a carrier part equipped on the visible side with a decorative material, in particular a leather decoration, the carrier part is provided with a weakened section using first process, and weakening of the decorative material is performed through the weakened section of the carrier part using a second process. The weakening of the carrier part and the weakening of the decorative material taking place temporally close to one another, in particular at the same time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a component and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of joining dissimilar materials of the present invention has a step of lapping a high melting point material on a low melting point material with a third material interposed therebetween. The third material is different from the high and low melting point materials. Further, the method has a step of irradiating an energy beam onto the high melting point material and a step of pressing the high and low melting point materials to cause eutectic melting between at least one of the high and low melting point materials and the third material and to join the high and low melting point materials in the form of a line.

Abstract: Manufacturing system (100) comprises only a few essential components, including: the workpiece(s) (110); the fixtures, or workpiece holding means, (120); the centrifuge (130), including a base (140) and axle (150); the release system (160), preferably a laser source; the containment structure (170); the accretion system, including an accretion substrate (180); and the control system. In operation, the release system directs a focused beam (190) of energy or solid particles to the surface of the workpiece to weaken the bonds of the surface material, and in cooperation with the centrifugal force, induced by the radial motion of the centrifuge, to break the surface material bonds and eject material into a particle path (200) which is directed to the accretion substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a visible symbol or other indicium on a tab portion of a beverage container. The method comprises the steps of advancing a tab stock material through a series of tab-forming stations. The tab portion is at least partially formed from the tab stock at each of the tab-forming stations. The advancement of the tab stock is dwelled or halted while the tab is formed. The tab stock is accelerated from dwell to resume advancement of the tab stock material between the stations. A selected portion of the tab is irradiated with light energy to form the visible indicium. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tab-forming stations, each tab-forming station at least partially forming the tab from a tab stock. A conveyor or track mechanism is configured to advance the tab stock from one tab-forming station to another. An etching apparatus is associated with the conveyor and tab-forming stations to selectively etch the symbol on the tab.

Abstract: Disclosed is the method and apparatus for annealing semiconductor substrates. One embodiment provides a semiconductor processing chamber comprising a first substrate support configured to support a substrate, a second substrate support configured to support a substrate, a shuttle coupled to the first substrate support and configured to move the first substrate support between a processing zone and a first loading zone, wherein the processing zone having a processing volume configured to alternately accommodating the first substrate support and the second substrate support.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus includes: a laser beam radiation part that radiates a laser beam to a target position on a substrate; a liquid supply source; a liquid supply nozzle that is connected to the liquid supply source through a liquid supply channel; a guide member for the ejected liquid; and a movement mechanism that allows a substrate holding part, and the laser beam radiation part, the guide member and the liquid supply nozzle to relatively move in a horizontal direction in a state that a center of a radiation spot of the laser beam is in a projection region on the substrate when the liquid ejection port of the liquid supply nozzle is extended in an ejection direction.

Abstract: An electronic component lead manufacturing method includes irradiating a first laser beam to a second layer with a solder wettability higher than a first layer, the second layer being laminated on the outside of the first layer of the lead used by the electronic component, and exposing the first layer from the second layer based on the irradiating of the first laser beam, and forming a projecting part near a region irradiated by a second laser beam by irradiating the second laser beam to the exposed first layer.

Abstract: An implantable lead may have a distal assembly including a coupler, a terminal pin and a conductive member rotatably secured to both the coupler and the terminal pin. The conductive member may include a coating that is at least partially removed before securing the conductive member to the coupler and the terminal pin. The coating may be removed in a process combining, in sequence, an IR laser and a UV laser.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a laser shock peening process includes a sensor connected to a controller. The controller includes an input and a processor. The input is connected to the sensor to receive a signal indicative of a laser shock event at a workpiece. The processor is connected to the input and is configured to determine a time-of-flight of residual energy associated with the laser shock event from the workpiece to the sensor and determine peen quality from the time-of-flight of the residual energy.

Abstract: A bend bar is available for use in a quality control test for testing for a consistency of residual stress effects in a particular material using a given a laser peening process. The bar is composed of the particular material to be tested and has a bar length and a bar thickness. The particular material has a characteristic maximum stress penetration depth for compressive residual stresses that can be formed in using the given laser peening process. The bar thickness is chosen so as to be at least twice the characteristic maximum stress penetration depth. The bar has a test surface that extends parallel to the bar length and perpendicular to the bar thickness. After forming a spot pattern on the test surface using the given laser peening process, the deflection generated in the bar due to the compressive residual stresses induced by laser peening can then be measured and used as a quality control measurement.

Abstract: Laser marking is surely conducted on the second and subsequent layers of a structural body with a multilayer structure, whereby a marked part can be prevented from being marred, fouled, falsified or erased, as well as marking can be conducted in a variety of colors. A structural body 10 including an inner layer 12 and an outer layer 11 stacked, wherein said inner layer 12 is formed of a resin which does not transmit light with a specific wavelength and said outer layer 11 is formed of a resin which transmits light with the specific wavelength, and a fine periodic structure 14 in the form of convexes and concaves formed by generation of photodecomposition is provided on at least part of the surfaces 13 of the inner layer 12 which is opposite to the outer layer 11.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser machining apparatus comprising a workpiece fixture for fastening a workpiece, a first laser removing device for machining a workpiece using first operating parameters, and a second laser removing device which can machine a workpiece using second operating parameters that are different from the first operating parameters, especially regarding the quality and quantity.

Abstract: A machining process and apparatus capable of increasing removal rates achievable when machining titanium and its alloys. The process includes heating a portion of a workpiece with a laser beam, cryogenically cooling a cutting tool with a cryogenic fluid without flowing the cryogenic fluid onto the workpiece, and machining the heated portion of the workpiece with the cutting tool. The apparatus includes a cutting tool, a device for heating a portion of a workpiece with a laser beam prior to being machined with the cutting tool, and a device for cryogenically cooling the cutting tool with a cryogenic fluid without flowing the cryogenic fluid onto the workpiece. The cryogenic fluid is circulated around the cutting tool to achieve a temperature differential between the workpiece and the cutting tool that is capable of improving removal rates and extending tool life at cutting speeds of, for example, above 100 m/min.

Abstract: An on-the-fly analog switching method and system for providing a switching time of less than one second between energy levels and laser heads for laser shock peening applications. An analog switch is used with variable resistance devices that produce a switching time of less than one second. One advantage of the present invention is that a switching time of less than one second is provided which provides for an energy and time efficient system. The laser shock peening process is never delayed for switching purposes as the switching occurs during the standard pause between treated linear areas.

Abstract: There is provided a laser machining apparatus for sheet-like workpieces that allows an installation area to be reduced and that may be readily controlled. The laser machining apparatus includes a Y-table movable in X- and Y-plane directions orthogonal to a laser beam irradiated from an f? lens, a supply reel for holding a supply-side roll which contains a sheet-like workpiece, and a take-up reel for holding a take-up side roll containing a finished sheet-like workpiece. Machining is carried out by fixing the sheet-like workpiece in the machining area on the movable table and by irradiating the laser beam while moving the movable table relative to the laser beam. At least one of the supply reel and the take-up reel is disposed on the movable table.

Abstract: A method for determining accessibility of a tool to an object is provided. The method provides for selecting one or more sections on the object to be laser shock peened, selecting a region of interest on the one or more sections and determining a set of feasible solutions to access the selected region of interest on each of the one or more sections via use of an accessibility system. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method may be provided by the present technique.

Abstract: The instant article of manufacture is made by applying optical energy to one or more layers of nanoparticulate materials under predetermined conditions to produce a nanostructure. The nanostructure has layers of optically fused nanoparticles including a predetermined pore density, a predetermined pore size, or both. The predetermined conditions for applying the optical energy may include a predetermined voltage, a predetermined duration, a predetermined power density, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of decorating a perfume bottle having a wall (11, 12, 13) that presents an outside surface (14) and an inside surface (15), at least one of the surfaces (14, 15) having a shape in relief that is complex, the method comprising at least one step of applying a coating (4, 5) to at least one portion of one of the surfaces (14, 15) of complex shape, the method further comprising a subsequent step of treating said coating, the method being characterized in that said treatment step is a marking step using a laser beam (F).

Abstract: A method for imaging an implantable device is described. The method may include positioning an implantable device within a patient. Ultrasonic energy may be transmitted toward the implantable device. The returning ultrasonic energy may be analyzed to determine a first characteristic of the implantable device. A method for manufacturing an implantable device is also described. The method may include selecting a first size dimension for a plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. The method may further include selecting a first spacing dimension for the plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. An implantable device may be formed. The plurality of ultrasonically visible portions may be formed into the first outer surface. An implantable device is also described. The implantable device may include a first outer surface. The first outer surface may include a first ultrasonically visible portion having a first size dimension.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming an initiation flaw (111) in the surface (114) of a glass sheet or glass ribbon (13). The initiation flaw (111) is used in connection with a laser light beam (121) and a cooling area produced by a cooling nozzle (119) to from a score line (115) in the surface (114) of the sheet or ribbon (13). The initiation flaw (111) is formed by a mechanical scoring head (20) which is carried by moving carriage (14) and which undergoes retrograde motion (19) relative to the carriage (14) so as to increase the time available for forming the initiation flaw (111).