Microstructures embedded in materials using combined laser and plasma beams

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Miniscule microstructures can be embedded in materials with laser beams. But a lot of energy is needed for this when it comes to transparent materials like glass. So, researchers sought out a more efficient solution: they combined the laser with a plasma beam. Fraunhofer researchers combine a laser and a plasma beam for the first time to realize microstructures to glass objects. Initial results reveal that by this approach, the production process can become more precise and economical. © Fraunhofer IST     You can find them in cellphones, in high-quality cameras and electronic driver assistance systems: tiny optical components, made of glass, that are equipped with microstructures. As a rule, laser technology is used to insert the extremely fine structures into the glass surface. Since glass is transparent, however, laser processing becomes a real challenge: if the laser’s energy density is too low, then insufficient radiation is absorbed in order to achieve the desired effect. If the power density is excessive, then undesired side effects often result – like contamination by ablation debris. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST are now striking out on a completely new path: in the structuring process, they couple atmospheric

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