Laser micro-processes

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

Nozzle for the CLAD (Direct additive laser construction) process with IREPA Laser

Laser beams are used for several applications that can be grouped together under the following four headings:

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

Strasbourg has been known since the early 1980's for its activities in the field of high power laser applications, especially with the platform Irepa Laser. A part of the IPP team research activities is related to control and processes involving high power lasers, in collaboration with this site.

Current work involves the development of:

• control devices and beam shaping
• surface functionalization methods
• new and low-cost methods of microstructuring

The use of laser processing to make photovoltaic devices based on silicon is the subject of projects in common with the "Materials for electronic and photovoltaic devices" (MaCEPV) team.

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

The phenomena studied are of two types:

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

The process known as CLAD (Direct additive laser construction) was developed by Irepa laser with the collaboration of the IPP team. The process, whose industrial development was carried out 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