Selective laser melting is a rapid manufacturing process that uses a laser to melt metal particles and create 3D components. It relies on computer aided design and an inert environment, and can reduce waste and manufacturing costs. The equipment can be purchased, rented, or outsourced, and a variety of metals can be used. Selective laser […]
Laser drilling uses powerful beams of light to vaporize materials and drill precise holes without mechanical means. It is used in precision machining and drilling hard or fragile materials. Powerful lasers may also be used for mining and oil extraction. Laser drilling is the process of drilling holes using lasers. This can be done on […]
Laser peening is a metalworking process that improves mechanical properties by directing laser pulses at the surface of a metal object. It is similar to shot peening but replaces metal or ceramic balls with laser pulses. The process can improve corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, residual stresses, and wear resistance. Laser peening can be used on […]
Laser cutting equipment uses either CO2 or neodymium-doped lasers and can be configured as flying optics, moving materials, or hybrid systems. Pulsed lasers are used for heat-sensitive materials and laser microjets incorporate a water jet for cooling. Each setup has different benefits. Different types of laser cutting equipment vary in the type of laser used […]
Laser cutting copper is difficult due to its heat and light resistance, but it can be done. The laser burns the edges, creating a darker color, but this is only visual. Laser cutting allows for easy design addition, but it’s not commonly used industrially. Brass is a more viable option. Laser cut copper is like […]
A laser cut tube is a regular tube treated with a laser to cut shapes into it, making it suitable for various applications. It can be cut into joint parts and shaped into squares or ovals. Laser cutting is rare for straight pipes and not used on highly laser-resistant metals like copper. A laser cut […]
The Texas Petawatt Laser at the University of Texas is the most powerful laser in the world, producing over 1 petawatt of power for a tenth of a trillionth of a second. It is used to replicate extreme conditions and study how matter behaves. The laser can even produce antimatter. As of January 2009, the […]
Laser cutting of plastic requires a CO2 laser machine, computer program and work table. Machines vary in size and cutting method, with most operated by CNC. Commercial machines have variable power settings and produce shiny edges. Cutting action occurs with flying optics, hybrid or moving material machines. Laser cutting of plastic requires a machine with […]
Laser cutting tools come in various types, including CO2, ND, and Nd-YAG lasers. They are used in six laser cutting functions, including microjet, vapor cutting, cast and blow molding, heat stress breaking, reactive cutting, and surface finishing. Laser cutting tools are popular in manufacturing and various industries. “Laser cutting tool” is a broad term that […]
Laser tweezers use laser beams to trap microscopic particles with precise three-dimensional positioning, exploiting a phenomenon called refractive index mismatch. They only work with dielectric materials and can be used to levitate bacteria, viruses, atoms, and molecules. Laser tweezers have been invaluable in studying biological machines and contribute to the emerging science of nanotechnology. Steven […]
A laser technician works with lasers, testing and developing different types of lasers and laser systems under safety standards. They can also work on production, testing, and fieldwork, and typically have a certificate or associate degree in electronic or laser/electro-optic technology. A laser technician works with lasers, usually under the supervision of a scientist or […]
Laser marking is a non-invasive process that uses a high-power laser to create a visible, virtually indestructible mark on physical items for tracking. It is environmentally friendly and can be used on all types of substrates. Laser marking can result in charring, foaming, or ablation depending on the material and laser used. It is commonly […]
The Stroma procedure uses laser surgery to change brown eyes to blue by removing the layer of melanin above the iris. It takes 20 seconds and occurs gradually over two to four weeks. It’s still in testing and not approved for widespread use. Eye color can also be changed with iris implants, and some people […]
A laser jammer sends a signal that confuses light detection and range (LIDAR) guns used by law enforcement to monitor vehicle speeds. It is not illegal in all areas, but some countries and regions have banned its use. The jammer detects incoming signals from a LIDAR gun and sends the appropriate signal to shut down […]
To become a laser technician, one needs at least a high school education or GED diploma, followed by a degree or certificate in electronic or laser technology. High school courses in math, computer science, and communication skills can be helpful. Companies usually expect an associate’s degree or certificate in a job-related subject. Additional education and […]
Laser scanning is a non-damaging technique used to create 3D models or detailed reconstructions of objects or environments. It has various applications, including architecture, construction, historical preservation, entertainment, and forensic science. Laser scanners use low-powered lasers to record data in the form of a point cloud, which can be used to establish a 3D model […]
Silicon hybrid lasers, developed by Intel and UCSB in 2006, use Group III-V semiconductor materials and silicon, and can be mass-produced using photolithography. They integrate optical systems with computer chips, enabling faster processing speeds and data transfer rates at the terabit level. They are part of the photonic computing research program, which aims to use […]
A laser hair removal technician removes unwanted hair using laser technology. They need to complete an approved training program and may need certification. The technician prepares the patient, applies gel, and answers questions. They can find jobs through job boards or training centers that offer job placement services. A laser hair removal technician performs laser […]
Tunable lasers can produce variable wavelengths or frequencies, allowing for multiple uses and greater control. Dye lasers were the first tunable lasers and can emit a wide range of frequencies. Tunable lasers are used in spectroscopy, communications, and even uranium isotope separation. They are becoming more economically feasible for industrial use and are useful in […]
Gas lasers use an electric current to produce a coherent light source. The first gas laser was the helium-neon laser, which was later used in barcode scanners. Carbon dioxide gas lasers are the most powerful continuous wave laser and are used in industry and manufacturing. Ion gas lasers, such as argon or krypton, are the […]
