Abstract: A method for thermally processing a minimally absorbing thin film in a selective manner is disclosed. Two closely spaced absorbing traces are patterned in thermal contact with the thin film. A pulsed radiant source is used to heat the two absorbing traces, and the thin film is thermally processed via conduction between the two absorbing traces. This method can be utilized to fabricate a thin film transistor (TFT) in which the thin film is a semiconductor and the absorbers are the source and the drain of the TFT.

Abstract: A laser welding method and system for joining portions of first and second workpieces of thermoplastic material that is partially permeable to a laser beam but absorbs radiation from the laser beam. The first and second workpieces, which are made of material that absorbs radiation from a laser beam, are clamped together. A mask is placed on a first surface of the first workpiece, the first surface being opposite the surface engaging the second workpiece. The mask is impermeable to a laser beam and forms a slot for passing a laser beam to the portion of the first surface of the upper workpiece exposed by the slot, so that heating and melting of the material of the workpieces is limited to the width of the slot. A laser beam is directed onto the slot and moved in a manner to illuminate the slot to melt and join the workpieces.

Abstract: A planar object to be processed 1 comprising a hexagonal SiC substrate 12 having a front face 12a forming an angle corresponding to an off-angle with a c-plane is prepared. Subsequently, the object 1 is irradiated with pulse-oscillated laser light L along lines to cut 5a, 5m such that a pulse pitch becomes 10 ?m to 18 ?m while locating a converging point P of the laser light L within the SiC substrate 12. Thereby, modified regions 7a, 7m to become cutting start points are formed within the SiC substrate 12 along the lines 5a, 5m.

Abstract: A system utilizing an antenna generating an electromagnetic (EM) wave to interact with a solar EM wave to streamline magnetic flux in the polar cusp and to facilitate the flow of solar plasma through the Polar Cusp, resulting in an elevated plasma flux at the exit of the Polar Cusp. The elevated plasma flux intercepts and removes small space debris from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO) transiting the LEO altitude regimes.

Abstract: A laser-marked polymer workpiece is described. The workpiece has a transparent component and an opaque component applied to at least one region of the transparent component. A mark is introduced onto a surface of the opaque component facing the transparent component with at least one laser. The mark is introduced, via a laser, through the transparent component. The mark is a lightening of the surface of the opaque component on which the mark was introduced.

Abstract: A digital control laser automatic tooth preparation method and device and a tooth positioner are provided. The device includes an intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, a dental laser, an oral working end, an oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, a computer, a tooth positioner, a negative-pressure suction device and a real-time monitoring device. The computer is connected respectively with the intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, the dental laser, the oral working end, the oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, the negative-pressure suction device, and the real-time monitoring device. The dental laser is connected with the oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system through a light guiding arm (1). The oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system is connected with the tooth positioner and the real-time monitoring device. The negative-pressure suction device is connected with the tooth positioner.

Abstract: An optical system for a laser therapy instrument for the application of laser radiation on and in the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective. The objective or at least one lens or lens group of the objective is shiftable in the direction of the optical axis being intended for shifting of the focus position from the region of the cornea to the region of the crystalline lens and vice versa. The optical system may include at least two optical assemblies designed for the axial variation of the focus of the therapeutic laser radiation, with the focus variation range ?z differing between the individual assemblies and a changing device, designed for the insertion of any one of these assemblies into the therapeutic laser beam path at a time.

Abstract: A dental laser treatment system includes a treatment laser beam and a pilot (e.g., aiming/marking) laser beam sharing a collinear beam path, where the beam path is guided by a guidance system through a handpiece/main chamber assembly having a beam exit. A laser beam presence detector is removably affixed to or within the handpiece/main chamber assembly. The laser beam presence detector provides feedback to a computer which can control actuation of the treatment laser beam and the pilot laser beam, and the beam guidance system. The computer performs a search for determining the center location of the beam exit based on the feedback and controls the beam guidance system to guide the beam path approximately to the center of the beam exit, thereby providing automatic alignment of the laser beam with the beam exit or an optional hollow waveguide.

Abstract: Provided are a processing device and a processing method with which the device can be made more compact, and with which highly precise processing can be performed. The processing device, which processes a member to be processed by irradiating the member to be processed with a laser, has: a laser oscillator having a plurality of vertical cavity surface-emitting laser diode chips that output laser light having a wavelength of 1,070 nm or less, and a substrate on the surface of which the plurality of vertical cavity surface-emitting laser diode chips are arranged in a matrix; a guidance optical system that guides the laser light output from the laser oscillator; and a control device that controls the output of the laser oscillator.

Abstract: A method may include controlling, by a computing device, a directed energy deposition material addition (DED MA) technique based at least in part on a thermal model. The thermal model may define a plurality of default operating parameters for the DED MA technique. The method also may include detecting, by at least one sensor, at least one parameter related to the DED MA technique. Further, the method may include, responsive to determining, by the computing device, that a value of the at least one detected parameter is different from an expected value of a corresponding parameter predicted by the thermal model, determining, by the computing device and using a neuro-fuzzy algorithm, an updated value for at least one operating parameter for the DED MA technique, and controlling, by the computing device, the DED MA technique based at least in part on the updated value.

Abstract: A laser cladding apparatus is capable of easily collecting metal powder and improving operational efficiency. The laser cladding apparatus clads valve seats of exhaust ports formed in a cylinder head by irradiating the valve seats with a laser beam while supplying metal powder to the valve seats. The laser cladding apparatus includes: a duct connected to the exhaust ports; and a dust collector that sucks a surplus of the metal powder generated at the valve seats. The duct has a vertical part formed in a straight tube and arranged so that the axis thereof is substantially vertical, and a branched part branched from the vertical part and arranged so that the branched direction is upward relative to the horizontal direction. The dust collector is connected to the tip of the branched part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article (I) that in at least one region (2) consists of a transparent or translucent material, in particular of glass, wherein the article (I) comprises a dynamic moire pattern in the transparent or translucent region (2), and wherein the moire pattern comes about by superimposing at least two, preferably precisely two, laser-engraved grid structures (3), which at least in regions are visually separated from each other. The grid structures (3) are located: in different layers (4) inside the transparent or translucent region (2); or in at least one layer (4) inside and in a coating (5) of at least one surface of the transparent or translucent region (2); or in at least one first layer (4) inside the transparent or translucent region (2) and at least one second virtual layer (6) that is produced by reflecting the first layer (4) at a reflecting surface (7).

Abstract: Methods of forming scribe vents in a strengthened glass substrate having a compressive surface layer and an inner tension layer are provided. In one embodiment, a first and second defect is formed to partially expose the inner tension layer. A first scribe vent may be generated in a first scribing direction by translating a laser beam and a cooling jet on a surface of the strengthened glass substrate at a first scribing speed. A second scribe vent intersecting the first scribe vent may be generated in a second scribing direction by translating the laser beam and the cooling jet on the surface of the strengthened glass substrate at a second scribing speed that is greater than the first scribing speed. The defects may be perpendicular to the scribing directions. In another embodiment, the first scribe vent may be fused at an intersection location prior to generating the second scribe vent.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for producing a perforation line between adjacent lottery tickets in an automated production line wherein a substrate having lottery tickets printed thereon is conveyed through a perforation station in the production line prior to being folded into a Z-fold pattern for subsequent packaging. A perforation machine in the line is controlled by a controller for defining the perforation lines, wherein the control process includes determining the perforation lines that correspond to fold lines in the Z-fold pattern and, for these perforation lines, programming the perforation machine to generate a second perforation profile that is different from a first perforation profile of non-fold perforation lines that lie between the fold lines in the Z-fold pattern. The second perforation profile is specifically tailored to produce a stronger perforation line to compensate for weakness induced in the perforation line from being folded.

Abstract: A material deposition head may include a body that defines first and second ends, an exterior surface, an interior surface, and one or more material delivery channels, where the exterior surface includes fluting. In some examples, a system may include a fluted material deposition head, a fluidized powder source, and an energy source.

Abstract: A spacecraft propulsion system operated in the presence of an ambient flux of cosmic rays is provided, wherein the cosmic rays interact with deuterium-containing nuclear micro-fusion fuel material to generate products having useful kinetic energy. The propulsion system comprises a supply of the deuterium-containing particle fuel material, along with means (such as a gun) for projecting the material (e.g. as successive packages in the form of shell projectiles) outward from a spacecraft. The spacecraft has means (such as a pusher mechanism) for receiving at least some portion of the generated kinetic-energy-containing products to produce thrust upon the spacecraft.

Abstract: A luminaire comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) as a light source. Such LED has a limited light emitting angle for emitted light radiation. An infrared sensor is assigned to the light source for determining the temperature of same.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide improved techniques for laser welding. These techniques can provide improved weld strength while reducing the potential for damage at the welding surface. In general, the techniques use a mask to selectively block a portion of the laser beam during welding. Specifically, the mask is made to include at least one laser light blocking feature and at least one laser light passing feature. The mask is positioned to be in contact with the plastic bodies that are to be welded together, with the laser light blocking feature and laser light passing feature proximate to the area that is to be welded. Then during welding the laser beam is operated to simultaneously impact the laser light blocking feature and pass through the laser light passing feature.

Abstract: A nozzle of a layered object manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments includes a gas supply part and an exhaust part. The gas supply part includes a gas supply port through which gas is supplied. The exhaust part includes an exhaust port through which the gas is exhausted. The gas supply port and the exhaust port face each other and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjustment of a mask position by driving an R-axis of an electron microscope in order to adjust the mask position with high accuracy while performing observation by the electron microscope without providing a heat generation source inside the electron microscope. The R-axis originally exists in a sample chamber of the electron microscope, which enables control with high accuracy. The R-axis driving of a sample stage can be substituted by raster rotation, therefore, the mask position can be adjusted with high accuracy while performing observation by the electron microscope according to the present invention.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer composite film wire or cable wrap comprises an outer layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and an inner layer of melt processable fluoropolymer film. The inner and outer layers are laminated with each other in tape form, such as by the application of heat and/or pressure thereto. The fluoropolymer composite tape is wrapped about one or more wires or cables, and is heated or sintered after wrapping to bond the tape to the wire or cable, and bond the tape to itself at the seams.

Abstract: Described is a laser processing machine with a height-adjustable laser component, a height-adjustable machine component, and a weight compensation system. The weight compensation system has at least one roller unit that includes at least two rollers fastened on a common axle and rotatably fixed with respect to one another. The axle is configured to rotate freely and slide in a machine frame guide of the laser processing machine. The laser component is held suspended by a first traction member wound onto the first roller. The machine component is held suspended by a second traction member wound onto the second roller. The first traction member and the second traction member are wound in reverse (opposite) directions onto the rollers. A counterweight device acts on the axle by exerting a counterforce, which compensates, at least partially, for the forces exerted by the laser component and the machine component.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system includes a display device and a user interface. The display device generates a display on an image of a patient's eye comprising a plurality of non-overlapping display sectors. Each display sector displays one of a plurality of user-selectable surgical parameters. A user interface receives a user selection of one or more of the user-selectable surgical parameters to be displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for selectively configuring an impedance of a transducer. A configurable transducer system is provided that can include a first region configured for receiving an applied stress and one or more sensing branches in communication with the first region. Each sensing branch can include an active piezoresistive area; three or more conduction paths configured in electrical communication with the active piezoresistive area; one or more trimmable links configured in parallel communication with at least two of the three or more conduction paths; and two or more connection terminals in electrical communication with the three or more conduction paths. The trimmable links are configured to be selectively opened to set a value of nominal impedance associated with the active piezoresistive area based on a desired impedance of the configurable transducer.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for distributed microscopy. A plurality of microscopes may capture images and send them to a media server. The microscopes and the media server may be part of a local area network. The microscopes may each have a distinct network address. The media server may communicate with an operations console, which may be used to view images captured by the microscopes. The operations console may also accept user input which may be used to selectively control the microscopes.

Abstract: A laser machining head includes a collimation lens, a focusing lens, and a nozzle unit. The nozzle unit includes a protective member, an inner nozzle, an outer nozzle, a nozzle holding section, and an orifice. The outer nozzle is disposed outside the inner nozzle and the nozzle holding section holds the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle. The orifice is in contact with the inner nozzle and is interposed between the nozzle holding section and the outer nozzle. The nozzle holding section has a first gas path connecting the air supply port disposed in the nozzle holding section and the orifice. The orifice has a third gas path for connecting a second gas path disposed between the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle, and the first gas path. In the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle unit, an opening connected to the second gas path is disposed.

Abstract: An optical system that is able to reliably deliver a uniform amount of energy across an anneal region contained on a surface of a substrate. The optical system is adapted to deliver, or project, a uniform amount of energy having a desired two-dimensional shape on a desired region on the surface of the substrate. An energy source for the optical system is typically a plurality of lasers, which are combined to form the energy field.

Abstract: To provide a separation and recovery apparatus and a method of taking out a component using the same, the apparatus being capable of dividing a sheet material into a component, an inner offcut located inside the component, and a marginal offcut located on an edge side of the component, and efficiently continuously taking out the component among them.

Abstract: A laser welding method includes: forming a melted section in which plural metallic workpieces within a weld region are melted by projecting a first laser beam onto said weld region with parts of the workpieces being set as the weld region when the workpieces are welded; and projecting a second laser beam while the melted section is being solidified or after a solidified section in which the melted section is solidified is formed such that the second laser beam circles around center of the melted section or the solidified section from an irradiation start position deviated from said center toward said center or such that the second laser beam is focused to the center of the melted section or the solidified section from an irradiation start region that includes the center and a periphery thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.

Abstract: Using a transmission fiber for transmitting laser beams of multiple wavelengths oscillated by a DDL module, and a laser processing machine for cutting a sheet metal with a processing head that condenses the laser beams of multiple wavelengths and irradiates them onto the sheet metal, a mild steel plate or an aluminum plate is cut, and by cutting a mild steel plate with a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, a surface roughness (Ra) of a cut surface of the cut mild steel plate is less than or equal to 0.4 ?m, and when an aluminum plate with a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm is cut, a surface roughness (Ra) of a cut surface of the cut aluminum plate is less than or equal to 2.5 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the manufacture or repair of a three-dimensional object, comprising at least one construction chamber for a successive solidification of at least one solidifiable material layer by the layer in predefined regions for the layer-by-layer buildup of the three-dimensional object or for the layer-by-layer repair of individual regions of the three-dimensional object within the construction chamber, and at least one inlet nozzle and at least one suction nozzle for a process gas, wherein the inlet nozzle and the suction nozzle are arranged in such a way that a gas flow that passes at least partially over a construction platform formed in a construction chamber is created.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling the length of chips or shavings on materials that is inherent to produce long undesired chips when machined. Based on the work piece configuration and surface area to machine a determined outlay and process application for a continuous scribe or arrangements of different scribe pattern or patterns for the part and or surface is selected to provide optimal chip control during the machining operation. Engineered Interruptions are applied to the work object prior to the machining operation to maximize optimal chip control. Controlling the depth of scribe of the laser is accomplished and managed through the interface of hardware, software and electronics.

Abstract: An upper housing assembly includes a pivot arm having an upper cam surface adjacent a distal end. A cam follower is coupled to a laser head to move up and down with a laser head. The cam follower exerts a downward force on the upper cam surface during normal operation. Thus, as the pivot arm rotates back and forth, the laser head moves up and down. A assist gas hose can be coupled between the upper housing and the laser head which has a spiral configuration permitting relative axial movement between the upper housing and the laser head. Upon an upward axial force being exerted on the laser head, the cam follower moves upwardly away from the upper cam surface.

Abstract: A laser machining method for cutting or cutting grooves on a workpiece using an apparatus having an X-Y table for mounting the workpiece, a laser source emitting a continuous wave or a quasi-continuous wave laser beam, modulator forming a pulsed laser beam by a high-speed modulation of the continuous wave or quasi-continuous wave laser beam, and an optical system capable of converging the pulsed laser beam on the workpiece, wherein the method comprising cutting with the pulsed laser beams along a locus including a portion where the moving speed of the X-Y table is decreased, and the pitch of holes machined with said laser pulses is kept constant by adjusting the intervals between successive said laser pulses in accordance with the moving speed of said workpiece, the method further comprising increasing the pulse widths of the laser pulses in accordance with the decrease in moving speed of the X-Y table in the portion where the moving speed of the X-Y table is decreased.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on sub-surfaces of the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on a sub-surface of the outer housing surface yet still be visible from the outside of the housing. Since the markings are beneath the surface of the housing, the markings are durable.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus includes an applying device that includes a charging and fluidizing unit charging and fluidizing a thermosetting powder coating material and applies the thermosetting powder coating material to a surface to be coated of an object to be coated while charging and fluidizing the powder coating material, a regulating device that regulates a thickness of a particle layer of the powder coating material applied to the surface to be coated of the object to be coated, and a heating device that heats the particle layer of the powder coating material to thermally cure the particle layer.

Abstract: A method of performing and monitoring a processing step on a workpiece using a system having a projector, a photogrammetric device and a control unit knowing the relative position of the projector and the photogrammetric device, comprises the following steps: referencing to determine a pose of the workpiece with respect to the projector and the photogrammetric device in a predetermined coordinate system; projection of a work instruction onto the workpiece; processing of the workpiece by a worker; and monitoring of the processing by scanning at least a portion of a surface of the workpiece, wherein all steps, with the exception of the processing by the worker, are performed by the device and wherein all steps are performed at the same workstation within a framework of an integrated process.

Abstract: A laser welding head is configured to fasten under a focusing lens for focusing the laser and including at least one annular nozzle for injecting a protective gas, and a protective chamber for protecting the focusing lens with a transverse flow of air. The annular nozzle is arranged around an unobstructed optical axis passing through the laser welding head. The chamber for protecting the focusing lens with a transverse flow of air includes air admission and air exhaust in register with the air admission in a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical axis. The laser welding head is configured to be fastened against the focusing lens without any lateral opening between the focusing lens and the protective chamber. The head presents a distance of at least 100 mm between an outlet of the annular nozzle and the protective chamber.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining workpieces comprising a support structure, a punching device mounted on the support structure, and a laser machining device mounted on the support structure. The machine tool includes a suspension device provided between the punching device and the laser machining device to reduce the laser machining device from being stimulated to move unintentionally due to the operation of the punching device. The suspension device has a spring rate which can be adjusted by a laser positioning device. The laser positioning device can move the laser machining device relative to the workpiece into a functional position and also into a position remote from the functional position. The spring rate of the suspension device is adjusted such that the functional position of the laser machining device is assigned a higher spring rate than that assigned to the position of the laser machining device remote from the functional position.

Abstract: A laser cutting device, including a laser beam generation unit emitting a laser beam; an optical system on a traveling path of the laser beam; a laser main body providing a passage through which the laser beam travels towards a substrate after passing through the optical system; a suction unit coupled to a header of the laser main body and sucking impurities, the suction unit including a curved surface therein; and a collection unit connected to the suction unit and collecting discharged impurities, the impurities being discharged to the collection unit along the curved surface inside the suction unit.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus generates laser by a laser oscillator, converges the laser by a condenser lens, and applies the laser to an upper sheet and a lower sheet superposed together so as to weld the upper sheet and the lower sheet to each other. According to this apparatus, by laser irradiation, a melt pool Y is formed in the upper sheet and the lower sheet superposed together. Furthermore, by laser irradiation, the melt pool Y is caused to flow, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet are welded together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to heated substrate supports having a protective coating thereon. The protective coating is formed from pure yttria or alloys predominantly of yttria. The protective coating is diffusion bonded to the heater plate of the substrate support. Two distinct silicon containing layers are formed between the heater plate and the protective coating as the result of the diffusion bonding.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on sub-surfaces of the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on a sub-surface of the outer housing surface yet still be visible from the outside of the housing. Since the markings are beneath the surface of the housing, the markings are durable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical interconnection.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical apparatus may include a tower extending upward from a support base, and a user-positionable arm extending from the tower to support an optical instrument attached to a distal end of the user-positionable arm. The user-positionable arm may include four members that are pivotably connected to each other. An electromagnetic brake strut may be pivotably attached in a diagonal relationship to at least two of the four members. The electromagnetic brake strut may include a rotatable lead screw having first and second lead screw end regions and a nut attached to the first pivot joint. The first lead screw end region may be threadably received into the nut. An electromagnetic clutch allows lead screw rotation when an electrical voltage is applied thereto. The electromagnetic clutch may be attached to the second pivot joint and may include a bearing that supports the second lead screw end region.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a laser device, a first scanning device, and an optical system. The laser device is configured to generate a laser beam, and the first scanning device is configured to selectively direct the laser beam across a powder bed. The laser beam generates a melt pool in the powder bed. The optical system includes an optical detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool, and a second scanning device configured to direct electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool to the optical detector.

Abstract: An industrial decoration method in which a colored pattern (11) is made in the bulk of an article (1) made of transparent glass of composition including at least one metallic oxide of silver, of gold, or of copper, said method including the following successive steps: a step of laser irradiating the zone of said glass article that is to be colored; and a final step of annealing the irradiated glass; and being characterized in that a glass composition is used that includes cerium and that has a total content of antimony plus tin that is less than 100 ppm, and in that the step of laser irradiating the zone that is to be colored is performed with laser irradiation having a pulse duration that is less than or equal to 10?11 s, while delivering power to the glass at greater than 1012 W/cm2, and more preferably lying in the range 1012 W/cm2 to 5×1014 W/cm2 for decorating and marking glass articles.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for forming edge chamfers and through holes and slots on a material that is machined using a laser, such as an ultrafast laser. The shaped material has predetermined and highly controllable geometric shape and/or surface morphology. Further, a method of and a device for preventing re-deposition of the particles on a material that is machined using a laser, such as an ultrafast laser. A fluid is used to wash off the particles generated during the laser machining process. The fluid can be in a non-neutral condition, with one or more chemical salts added, or a condition allowing the coagulation of the particles in the fluid, such that the particles can be precipitated to avoid the reattachment to the machined substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for laser assisted bonding of semiconductor die. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide systems and methods that enhance or control laser irradiation of a semiconductor die, for example spatially and/or temporally, to improve bonding of the semiconductor die to a substrate.