Patent ID: 6313435
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B23K,B41J

Abstract:
A process for forming an arbitrarily chosen complex shape for an ablated feature in a substrate, where the feature is ablated using a laser machining system including an imaging mask and an imaging lens system, the process for controlling the shape of the ablated feature comprising:providing a mechanism for moving an imaging mask, the mask positioned between a laser and the imaging lens system; identifying a plurality of discrete sequential ablation positions on a substrate at which the substrate is to be ablated to form an arbitrarily chosen complex shape for an ablated feature;calculating a plurality of sequential positions for the mask to direct an image of the mask through the imaging lens to each of the sequential ablation positions; andcontinuously moving the mask such that the mask moves through each of the sequential mask positions and causes the image of the mask to move through each of the sequential ablation positions, the movement of the mask such that at each of the sequential mask positions a pulse of radiation is fired from the laser, the pulse of radiation irradiating the substrate with radiation that has passed through the mask and the imaging lens system to each sequential ablation position on the substrate to form an ablated feature in the substrate.