Today's Laser Etching Technology
Historical perspective of laser etching and how it is used today.
Today's Laser Etching Technology
Today's laser technology has roots that go back to the mid-20th Century when Dr. Ted Maiman, working at Hughes Research Laboratory in Malibu California, demonstrated mankind's first coherent light, a ruby laser in 1960. The technology has since continued to advance greatly and lasers have now become commonplace in toys, supermarket bar-code readers and in hundreds of millions of various consumer products.
Dr. Maiman's three-level laser work was extended by Peter Sorokin and Mirek Stevenson working at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Laboratory in Yorktown Heights, New York. Using flashlamp pumping, they demonstrated the world's first four-level laser in November 1960.
A newer type of laser, the Argon-fluoride excimer laser, was developed in the 1970s. Using ultraviolet light, it became commonly used to produce microelectronic devices and semiconductor chips, and helped surgeons perform refractive eye surgery. It also became used by the defense industry for range-finding and creating weapons.
The first commercial room-temperature CW diode laser was introduced in 1975. It only emitted just a few milliwatts, but the technology advanced rapidly thereafter.
Engravers today use the CO2 laser which work well to engrave and cut materials that are poor heat and electric conductors. Today, laser engraving has many benefits over standard engraving methods. Lasers allow for more precise work and even the smallest and most delicate items can be easily engraved.
Lasers advantages are that no harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures occur during the laser engraving process. No dust or chemical residue is created and uneven surfaces can be easily engraved because the laser beam is easy to control by the operator and can focus on many varying surfaces.
Laser marking is today's preferred method to etch or mark items that are small and complex. With many thousands of current applications and more being discovered almost daily, the future of laser etching continues to grow toward a promising future.