Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: Laser-based techniques for cutting and drilling of transparent components are disclosed. These laser-based techniques rely on laser modification of transparent substrates followed by chemical etching and are suitable for use with a variety of transparent substrates. Transparent components and enclosures and electronic devices including the transparent components are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Laser-based techniques for cutting and drilling of transparent components are disclosed. These laser-based techniques rely on laser modification of transparent substrates followed by chemical etching and are suitable for use with a variety of transparent substrates. Transparent components and enclosures and electronic devices including the transparent components are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A colored sapphire material and methods for coloring sapphire material using lasers are disclosed. The method for coloring the sapphire material may include positioning the sapphire material over an opaque substrate material, exposing the opaque substrate material to a laser beam passing through the sapphire material to impact the substrate material, and inducing a chemical change in a portion of the sapphire material exposed to the laser beam. The method may also include creating a visible color in the portion of the sapphire material as a result of the chemical change. The colored sapphire material may include a first transparent portion, and a second, colored portion substantially surrounded by the first portion. The second, colored portion may have a chemical composition different than that of the first portion.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing, a display positioned at least partially within the housing, a cover assembly coupled to the housing and comprising a chemically strengthened glass member, and an encoded marking formed within the chemically strengthened glass member between an upper surface and a lower surface of the chemically strengthened glass member. The encoded marking may include an array of marks, each mark of the array of marks having a dimension between about 3 microns and about 10 microns and set apart from an adjacent mark by an unmarked area of the chemically strengthened glass member. Each mark may represent a bit of information in a binary number system. The encoded marking may be readable, by an optical magnification apparatus, through the upper surface.

Abstract: A laser-textured glass cover member suitable for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The laser-textured surface of the glass cover member may provide a smooth feel to an external surface of the electronic device without introducing a perceptible visual texture. Methods for making the laser-textured glass cover members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser-textured glass cover member suitable for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The laser-textured surface of the glass cover member may provide a smooth feel to an external surface of the electronic device without introducing a perceptible visual texture. Methods for making the laser-textured glass cover members are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing, a display positioned at least partially within the housing, a cover assembly coupled to the housing and comprising a chemically strengthened glass member, and an encoded marking formed within the chemically strengthened glass member between an upper surface and a lower surface of the chemically strengthened glass member. The encoded marking may include an array of marks, each mark of the array of marks having a dimension between about 3 microns and about 10 microns and set apart from an adjacent mark by an unmarked area of the chemically strengthened glass member. Each mark may represent a bit of information in a binary number system. The encoded marking may be readable, by an optical magnification apparatus, through the upper surface.

Abstract: Anodized substrates having laser markings and methods for forming the same are described. According to some embodiments, the methods involve forming a feature on a substrate using a laser prior to anodizing. The laser energy and pulse width can be chosen so as to provide a particular topology to a surface of the substrate that, after anodizing, absorbs incoming light and imparts a dark appearance to the feature. In some cases, the methods involve forming a coarse oxide layer, which is removed prior to anodizing. Since the laser marking is performed prior to anodizing, the anodized substrates are free from laser-induced cracks, thereby making the anodized substrates more corrosion resistant than conventional laser-marked anodized substrates. The techniques are well suited for forming features on consumer products that may be exposed to water or other corrosion-inducing agents.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a sapphire component. The method may include disposing an absorptive-barrier layer on a first surface of a sapphire substrate, performing a cut in the sapphire substrate using a laser beam incident on the absorptive-barrier layer, and forming and removing molten sapphire from the cut. The method may also include shielding a region of the first surface that is adjacent to the cut from the molten sapphire using the absorptive-barrier layer, and removing the absorptive-barrier layer from the first surface of the sapphire substrate.

Abstract: A colored sapphire material and methods for coloring sapphire material using lasers are disclosed. The method for coloring the sapphire material may include positioning the sapphire material over an opaque substrate material, exposing the opaque substrate material to a laser beam passing through the sapphire material to impact the substrate material, and inducing a chemical change in a portion of the sapphire material exposed to the laser beam. The method may also include creating a visible color in the portion of the sapphire material as a result of the chemical change. The colored sapphire material may include a first transparent portion, and a second, colored portion substantially surrounded by the first portion. The second, colored portion may have a chemical composition different than that of the first portion.

Abstract: A colored sapphire material and methods for coloring sapphire material using lasers are disclosed. The method for coloring the sapphire material may include positioning the sapphire material over an opaque substrate material, exposing the opaque substrate material to a laser beam passing through the sapphire material to impact the substrate material, and inducing a chemical change in a portion of the sapphire material exposed to the laser beam. The method may also include creating a visible color in the portion of the sapphire material as a result of the chemical change. The colored sapphire material may include a first transparent portion, and a second, colored portion substantially surrounded by the first portion. The second, colored portion may have a chemical composition different than that of the first portion.

Abstract: A ceramic material, such as sapphire, is irradiated using a laser-based process to form a cut. In some implementations, a region of the ceramic material adjacent to the cut may be heated. The region may be removed to form an edge feature. In various implementations, the region of the ceramic material adjacent to the cut may be shielded from an outer portion of a laser beam used in the laser-based process using a shield, such as a polyethylene film. This removal and/or shielding operations may improve the mechanical strength of the ceramic material.

Abstract: Anodized substrates having laser markings and methods for forming the same are described. According to some embodiments, the methods involve forming a feature on a substrate using a laser prior to anodizing. The laser energy and pulse width can be chosen so as to provide a particular topology to a surface of the substrate that, after anodizing, absorbs incoming light and imparts a dark appearance to the feature. In some cases, the methods involve forming a coarse oxide layer, which is removed prior to anodizing. Since the laser marking is performed prior to anodizing, the anodized substrates are free from laser-induced cracks, thereby making the anodized substrates more corrosion resistant than conventional laser-marked anodized substrates. The techniques are well suited for forming features on consumer products that may be exposed to water or other corrosion-inducing agents.

Abstract: A system and a method for manufacturing a sapphire part. A sapphire substrate is obtained for performing a laser cutting operation. The sapphire substrate is cut along a cut profile using a laser and a first gas medium. The first gas medium is substantially comprised of an inert gas. The sapphire substrate is then irradiated at or near the cut profile using the laser and a second gas medium. The second gas medium is different than the first gas medium comprising oxygen.

Abstract: Welding of transparent material in electronic devices. An electronic device may include an enclosure having at least one aperture formed through a portion of the enclosure. The electronic device may also include a component positioned within the aperture formed through the portion of the enclosure. The component may be laser welded to the aperture formed through the enclosure. Additionally, the component may include transparent material. A method for securing a component within an electronic device may include providing an electronic device enclosure including at least one aperture, and positioning a component within the aperture formed through the enclosure. The component positioned within the aperture may include a transparent material. The method may also include welding the component to the electronic device enclosure.

Abstract: A colored sapphire material and methods for coloring sapphire material using lasers are disclosed. The method for coloring the sapphire material may include positioning the sapphire material over an opaque substrate material, exposing the opaque substrate material to a laser beam passing through the sapphire material to impact the substrate material, and inducing a chemical change in a portion of the sapphire material exposed to the laser beam. The method may also include creating a visible color in the portion of the sapphire material as a result of the chemical change. The colored sapphire material may include a first transparent portion, and a second, colored portion substantially surrounded by the first portion. The second, colored portion may have a chemical composition different than that of the first portion.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for sapphire crystal material is disclosed, including a laser-etched bar code formed into the interior of the sapphire crystal material. The laser-etched bar code may be associated with one or more manufacturing parameters or other manufacturing data. The sapphire crystal may be used to create a cover sheet for use with a display screen of a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for sapphire crystal material is disclosed, including a laser-etched bar code formed into the interior of the sapphire crystal material. The laser-etched bar code may be associated with one or more manufacturing parameters or other manufacturing data. The sapphire crystal may be used to create a cover sheet for use with a display screen of a portable electronic device.