Laser microprocessing demands micrometer-scale precision to fabricate ultrafine components, with end users increasingly pushing for both higher throughput and tighter accuracy. Innovation is focused on ultrashort-pulse lasers, mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength operation, advanced scanners, robotics, motion stages, software, and seamless integration. Simultaneously, in-line process monitoring is evolving to ensure quality control in real time.

The semiconductor and consumer electronics sectors are key adopters, leveraging industrial lasers for wafer, display, and circuit board production. The layered, multi-material architectures of electronic components, coupled with stringent cleanliness requirements, intensify the challenge for laser systems. Antonio Castelo examines these compounding factors and spotlights companies at the forefront—Litilit, Synova SA, Femtum, FTMC, Akoneer, Precitec, NIT, and PULSATE—that are advancing the field.

Laser microprocessing covers a broad scope of laser processes used in the machining of ultrafine structures. In this area of technology, micrometer scale levels of precision and accuracy are required to obtain the desired structures and, more critically, ensure the functionality of produced parts like ultrafine components. The rise in the number of markets and applications for these processes in recent years corresponds to the increasingly demanding requirements from end users, in terms of throughput as well as precision. To meet necessary thresholds, industry players are spearheading developments to laser sources and the additional components that complete the modern workstation. Ultrashort-pulse lasers, high-performance operability at MIR wavelengths, scanners, robots and movement stages, software, and integration capabilities are among the active areas of innovation. At the same time, process monitoring is reaching new levels of functionality, providing a means to control the laser process in-line and ensure the quality of the produced parts.

The semiconductor and consumer electronics industries are two prominent adopters of Laser Microprocessing. These sectors benefit from the advantages that industrial lasers provide for various processes in the manufacture and refinement of wafers, displays, circuit boards, and other

ultrafine components. The architectures of electronic components, in particular, consist of multiple layers, each potentially made of very different materials. Additionally, cleanliness must be ensured throughout the manufacturing process. Antonio Castelo explores the factors that compound the challenges faced by laser systems tasked with enabling such precision processing. And highlights companies that excel in this challenge like Litilit, Synova SA, Femtum, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Akoneer, Precitec – Laser Material Processing, New Imaging Technologies (NIT) and PULSATE.

Read the full article published in Photonics Spectra July 2024 Issue.

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