Product Code: ICAL05_M403

Processing of Polymers by UV Picosecond Lasers
Authors:
Gediminas Raciukaitis, Institute of Physics; Vilnius Lithuania
Mindaugas Gedvilas, Institute of Physics; Vilnius Lithuania
Presented at ICALEO 2005

UV laser radiation is widely used for processing of polymers. We present the results obtained by investigation of the laser ablation processes with picosecond pulses in about 20 different organic materials. Micro-drilling and cutting of polymers were performed by the 266-nm radiation. The effect of laser fluence on the ablation rate and drilling depth was investigated.
Most of the materials showed two ablation thresholds. One of them was below 1 J/cm2 with a low material removal rate. Another threshold was spread in the range of 2 - 20 J/cm2 and the rapid increase of the ablation rate was found above it. The results are discussed in connection with optical and thermal properties of the materials.
The processing regimes of polymers were proved at formation of microstructures. UV laser radiation with the picosecond pulse duration can be useful in manufacturing micro-systems for diverse technical applications.