Laser micro-processes

T. Engel, G. Chabrol, E. Fogarassy, J. Fontaine, S. Lecler

[[File:Buse laser.jpg|frame|Nozzle for CLAD (Direct additive laser construction) with IREPA Laser]

Laser beams are used for several applications that can be settled in the four following groups:

• measurement and characterization of materials and structures
• transmission of information
• machining and processing of materials
• medical applications.

Strasbourg has been known since the early 80's for its activities in the field of power laser applications, especially with the platform Irepa Laser. A part of IPP team research activities is related to controls and processes involving power lasers, in collaboration with this site.

Current works involve the development of:

• control devices and beam shaping
• surface functionalization methods
• new and low cost methods of microstructuration.

The use of laser processing to make photovoltaic devices based on silicon is the subject of projects in common with the team « Matériaux et composants pour l’électronique et le photovoltaïque » (MaCEPV).

Research on the interaction between power laser beam and materials aim to develop surface functionalization processes by laser and are based on a partnership with Irepa Laser.

Studied phenomena are of two types :

• the action of short-wavelength laser beams materials or short pulse durations
• the interaction between a continuous laser beam and a granular material in order to functionalize the material with a gradient of properties.

The process called CLAD (Direct additive laser construction) was developed by Irepa laser with the collaboration of the IPP team. The process, whose industrial development was performed by Irepa laser, consists of manufacturing or repairing metallic parts of high quality without size and weight limitations. The machine aims to become an indispensable tool of the future "FabLab". video demo