Abstract: A method of bonding a first plurality of electrical contacts to a second plurality of electrical contacts by aligning the first and second contacts, placing a diaphragm member against the first contacts and applying a differential pressure, such as a vacuum, to the diaphragm in a direction to pull the first contact toward the second contact. Thereafter, the first contacts are bonded to the second contacts with a laser. The diaphragm or a coating on the diaphragm can be a material that absorbs energy from the laser to transfer laser energy to the bond. The diaphragm may be a glass plate or a transparent membrane, may have a support bonded to the first contacts, and may include openings through which the contacts are bonded.

Abstract: The effects of random polarization of a laser beam is reduced by separating the polarized laser beam into first and second polarized components that are orthogonal to each other, and measuring the energy in each of the first and second components. The total energy in both of the first and second components are compared with a predetermined energy level. The energy output of the laser beam is controlled in response to the measured comparison.