Abstract: Embodiments of methods and laser-computer graphics systems for producing images such as portraits and 3-D sculptures formed from laser light created etch points inside an optically transparent material are disclosed. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method and system for simultaneously producing one or more etch points in first and second objects. In accordance with a method, a main beam is split into first and second beams, each beam having an energy level greater than that necessary to cause a breakdown in the material comprising the first and second objects. The first and second beams are directed at focal points within the first and second objects, generating etch points simultaneously therein. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for generating images in first and second objects. In one or more embodiments, the images are comprised of etch points having multiple gray shades and/or of etch points having iridescent qualities.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for producing holograms by creating arrangement of laser-induced damages inside transparent materials. A method for transformation of an interference pattern into arrangement of points so that laser-induced damages created at these points are able to reconstruct high quality holographic images is disclosed. A method and apparatus for creation of small laser-induced damages needed for reproduction of holograms by transforming wavelength of laser radiation generating breakdowns at the predetermined points of transparent materials are described.

Abstract: A method for production of laser-induced damage images, which are able to change their optical characteristics depending on bopresight allocation and which are looked like iridescent images laying out white light incident upon them. These images are created by laser-induced damages of special space form. These damages are produced by creation of two areas (the first and the second) surrounding the pre-set points: the first area is essentially large than the second area, having form like desirable damage. The pulse laser radiation creates under critical electron density in the first area and initiates the breakdown in the second area.

Abstract: The system for high-speed production of high quality laser-induced damage images inside transparent materials is disclosed. One or more embodiments of the invention disclose a system, which produces the said images by the combination of an electro-optical deflector and means for moving the article or focusing optical system. The combination of the said devices together with using of two laser beams allows increase the image production speed substantially, without the image deterioration. One or more embodiments of the invention disclose a system for creation of a laser-induced damage by generation of breakdowns at several separate centers by using the computing phase hologram, the phase structure of which is calculated so that the laser beam, passing through the hologram, is focused at several spots. One or more embodiments of the invention disclose a system for creation of a laser-induced damage by generation of breakdowns at area where two laser beams intersect.

Abstract: A method for creating arrangement of damages for production of 3D laser-induced damage portraits with the space resolution, which is equal to the appropriate computer 3D model, is disclosed. 3D laser-induced damage portraits produced by the method, have sufficiently tight faces and profiles so that the clearance surface dose not interfere the face surface, and the right (left) profile does not interfere with the left (right) profile. These effects are created by production of the sophisticated arrangement of damages, placed both on 3D portrait surface and inside area of the 3D portrait. Due to the method it is possible to make laser-induced damages, corresponding to all pixels of the 3D computer model and reproduced the right brightness of the material point without the internal split.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and laser-computer graphics systems for producing images such as portraits and 3-D sculptures formed from laser light created etch points inside an optically transparent material are disclosed. The produced image has a high resolution like a computer graphic image from which it is derived, little fluctuation in gray shades, and has no discernable point structure. In an embodiment, the image is comprised of auxiliary images of multiple layers of etch points, the points of each auxiliary layer and the respective layers spaced to prevent failure of the material. In a method and system, images are produced in multiple articles simultaneously using separate beams. An embodiment of the invention comprises a method and system for using two beams for generating etch points with improved optical characteristics, such etch points useful in generating a one layer image with high resolution. Another embodiment of the method comprises a method for creating iridescent etch points in material.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and an apparatus for generating a specific laser radiation for production of high quality laser-induced damage images are disclosed. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method and system for generating the specific laser radiation by serial combination of both generation regimes: a Q-switched mode and a free-running mode. According to the invention the combination of both regimes is produced during a single flash of a pulsed pumping source by successive switching a loss level in a resonant cavity. Desirable ratio of a Q-switched pulse energy and a free-running mode pulse energy is achieved by adjusting the time delay of Q-switching and the threshold level in the resonant cavity. A Q-switched pulse creates laser-induced breakdown and a free-running pulse maintains plasma of the breakdown as long as it is necessary to create a damage of a desirable size.