Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of separating a substrate having a main surface, a tension region within an interior thereof, and a compression region between the main surface and the tension region, includes forming a modified stress zone extending along a guide path within the substrate such that a first portion of the substrate is within the modified stress zone, wherein the portion of the substrate within the modified stress zone has a modified stress different from a preliminary stress of the first portion. A vent crack also formed in the first main surface. The vent crack and the modified stress zone are configured to separate the substrate along the guide path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for machining substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of machining a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface can include forming a first recess in the substrate extending from the first surface toward the second surface, forming a second recess in the substrate extending from the second surface toward the first surface, and removing a portion of the substrate extending from the first recess to the second recess to form an opening in the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of separating a substrate having first and second surfaces includes directing a beam of laser light to pass through the first surface and, thereafter, to pass through the second surface. The beam of laser light has a beam waist located at a surface of the substrate or outside the substrate. Relative motion between the beam of laser light and the substrate is caused to scan a spot on a surface of the substrate to be scanned along a guide path. Portions of the substrate illuminated within the spot absorb light within the beam of laser light so that the substrate can be separated along the guide path.

Abstract: A panel with an optically transmissive portion includes a group of holes drilled from one surface to another surface and filled with an optically transmissive material. The group of holes forms a pattern. The holes on a first surface form a smooth and continuous appearance to the naked eye. The holes on the other, second surface are sized so that a light source directed to the second surface illuminates the pattern to be visible to a viewer viewing the first surface. The panel may form a portion of a housing that houses the light source.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating marks 194 on an anodized aluminum specimen 190 with selectable color and optical density. The method includes providing a laser marking system 148 having a laser 150, laser optics 154 and a controller 160 operatively connected to said laser 150 to control laser pulse parameters. The laser marking system 148 is directed to produce laser pulses 152 having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density in the presence of a fluid 168 directed to the surface of the anodized aluminum specimen 158 while marking.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum.

Abstract: A miniature component carrier includes a thin, resilient mask through which are formed multiple spaced-apart apertures each of which is sized and shaped to compliantly receive and hold a miniature component in a controlled orientation during termination processing such that the side margins of the aperture primarily contact and grip the corner regions of the miniature component. At least some of the apertures have side margins that form rhomboidal or elliptical apertures. The shape and size of the multiple spaced-apart apertures confine within an operational tolerance contact between the side margins of the aperture and the side or end wall surfaces of the electronic component. This reduces mechanical damage to the side and end wall surfaces that results from their contact with the side margins during receipt and gripping of the miniature component in the aperture.