How Can Laser Technology Improve Material Processing?

Ulrike Fuchs

Lasers typically produce a Gaussian beam where intensity is greatest in the center and tails off at the edges. In this video, ULRIKE FUCHS explains how a laser beam profile can be transformed into something more effective for material processing. Drawing on insights from phase shifting microscopy, Fuchs shows how a phase plate can be used to change the phase distribution of an incoming Gaussian beam before it is focused. Along with making existing processes faster, more efficient and more precise, Fuchs’s work reveals potential for exciting new applications for laser technology going forward.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10786

Researcher

Dr. Ulrike Fuchs is Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at asphericonGmbH. Having previously headed the company’s Departments of Applications and Optical Design, she completed her doctorate in Physics at the University of Jena in 2009. Named as an inventor on numerous patent registrations and a fellow of The Optical Society, Fuchs was the inaugural winner (in 2018) of the Kevin P. Thompson Optical Design Innovator Award.

asphericon GmbH

Founded in 2001, asphericon is one of the technology leaders in the field of aspheric optics and systems. By combining a worldwide unique CNC control technology with high-end manufacturing processes, asphericon routinely achieves unique levels of dimensional precision for optical components, assemblies and systems. The latest manufacturing technologies, continually evolving proprietary control software, world-class metrology equipment, and highly qualified employees ensure that asphericon can provide more than 750 customers worldwide with innovative solutions. asphericon assists its customers from the initial optical design, through manufacturing and coating, precision metrology, optical characterization to the assembly of optical modules to complete ready-made systems - everything at a space approved quality level. https://www.asphericon.com/