GLASS TUBE CLEAVING WITH PHASE-CORRECTED NON-DIFFRACTING LASER PULSES

Abstract

Ultrashort laser pulses are used to modify complex inner and outer contours from glass tubes. The processing optics is designed to shape non-diffracting beams and to apply a sensitive phase correction for the processing behind curved interfaces. This enables single-pass, full-thickness modifications with feed rates in the order of 100 mm/s are demonstrated. Final article separation is performed by thermal stress or via chemical etching.