Abstract: A frame for a laser processing module can be characterized as including a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, an optics bridge spaced apart from, and extending over, the upper surface of the platform and a bridge support interposed between, and coupled to, the platform and the optics bridge. At least one selected from the group consisting of the platform and the optics bridge includes a sandwich panel. The sandwich panel can include a first plate, a second plate and a core interposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate can be indirectly attached to one another by the core and the core can define at least one channel extending between the first plate and the second plate. The sandwich panel can also include a first port formed at an exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel, and a second port formed at the exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus to process a workpiece including producing a first beam of laser energy characterized by a first spatial intensity distribution. A first workpiece is processed using the first beam of laser energy to form a plurality of features at a first distance between the scan lens and the first workpiece and forming a second features at a second distance. The method includes determining which of the plurality of features has a shape that most closely resembles the shape of the first spatial intensity distribution and setting a process distance as the distance that produced that feature. Using this process distance, a surface of a second workpiece is processed using second beam of laser energy with a second spatial intensity distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus to process a workpiece including producing a first beam of laser energy characterized by a first spatial intensity distribution. A first workpiece is processed using the first beam of laser energy to form a plurality of features at a first distance between the scan lens and the first workpiece and forming a second features at a second distance. The method includes determining which of the plurality of features has a shape that most closely resembles the shape of the first spatial intensity distribution and setting a process distance as the distance that produced that feature. Using this process distance, a surface of a second workpiece is processed using second beam of laser energy with a second spatial intensity distribution.