Abstract: Processes and systems that include one or more laser beam sources configured to provide laser irradiation with one or more laser pulse groups to at least a portion of powder particles on a solid surface at one or multiple locations thereof. Sintering laser pulse(s) is provided to induce coalition of at least some of the powder particles into a more continuous medium, and pressing laser pulse(s) is provided to produce pressure pulse(s) on at least a portion of the powder particles and/or the more continuous medium. Laser pulse groups may include one or more of the sintering laser pulses followed by one or more of the pressing laser pulses with a time delay between a last of the sintering laser pulse(s) and a first of the pressing laser pulse(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel method of laser-based fabrication of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-metal composite on a flexible substrate, and the fabricated CNT-metal composite that is bonded with the flexible substrate, and that has a high electrical conductivity, and that has a longer bending-fatigue life than the laser-sintered metal of the same type without CNTs onto the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Processes and systems that include one or more laser beam sources configured to provide laser irradiation with one or more laser pulse groups to at least a portion of powder particles on a solid surface at one or multiple locations thereof. Sintering laser pulse(s) is provided to induce coalition of at least some of the powder particles into a more continuous medium, and pressing laser pulse(s) is provided to produce pressure pulse(s) on at least a portion of the powder particles and/or the more continuous medium. Laser pulse groups may include one or more of the sintering laser pulses followed by one or more of the pressing laser pulses with a time delay between a last of the sintering laser pulse(s) and a first of the pressing laser pulse(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel method of laser-based fabrication of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-metal composite on a flexible substrate, and the fabricated CNT-metal composite that is bonded with the flexible substrate, and that has a high electrical conductivity, and that has a longer bending-fatigue life than the laser-sintered metal of the same type without CNTs onto the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Systems and processes for improved laser machining, such as micro machining, of a workpiece. Systems and processes involve directing at a first surface of the workpiece a laser beam and wherein at least the laser-irradiated region of the first surface of the workpiece is immersed in a liquid, and delivering to the liquid-immersed and laser-irradiated workpiece surface region at least a first ultrasound output from a first ultrasound device. The ultrasound output and the laser beam desirably impact the workpiece first surface substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for making a carbon nanotube (CNT)-nonoxide structural ceramic nanocomposite as well as for enhancing at least one mechanical property or characteristic of a nonoxide structural ceramic material are provided. A mixture of CNT and nonoxide structural ceramic powder can be laser sintered to form desired carbon nanotube-nonoxide structural ceramic nanocomposites.

Abstract: Processes and corresponding or associated arrangements for removal of a burr from a workpiece, particularly micromachined workpieces, involving irradiating a plasma plume source material with a laser beam to generate a plasma plume. The plasma plume at least in part impacts the burr disposed on the workpiece to at least in part remove the burr from the workpiece. In select embodiments, the plasma plume source material can be a part of the workpiece or a non-workpiece sacrificial material.

Abstract: Systems and processes for improved laser machining, such as micro machining, of a workpiece. Systems and processes involve directing at a first surface of the workpiece a laser beam and wherein at least the laser-irradiated region of the first surface of the workpiece is immersed in a liquid, and delivering to the liquid-immersed and laser-irradiated workpiece surface region at least a first ultrasound output from a first ultrasound device. The ultrasound output and the laser beam desirably impact the workpiece first surface substantially simultaneously.