Abstract

Copper vapor lasers (CVLs) show a number of characteristic features which qualify this laser type for drilling narrow holes and for sublimation cutting of thin metal foils. Good focusability, sufficient pulse energy (2 mj), high-repetition rates (20 kHz), and good coupling even into highly reflective metals and alloys characterize the processing with CVLs, Figure 1 shows the development of the drill hole depth with a number of pulses for different metals and alloys (Ag, Al, Cu, CuZn37, Fe, Zn).

© 1992 Optical Society of America