Abstract:
An imaging system for ablating an array matrix of high-density vias in a flexible and rigid desired object. The apparatus contains a mirror based x, y scanning repeat positioning and/or a single axis scanner positioning system that directs a single point of a coherent light radiation beam at desired individual mask segments. These mask segments are formed into a planar mask array. A flat field collimating lens system is positioned between the mirror scanning system and the mask arrays to correct the angular beam output of the repeat positioning mirror and redirects the beam so that it strikes a specific rear surface segment(s) of in the mask array. The flat field collimating lens provides a beam that either illuminates the mask perpendicular to its surface or at preselected optimized illumination angles. Once illuminated, the specific segment of the mask array images and processes a single or a plurality of desired holes or features in a top surface of a flexible or rigid desired object to be processed.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/514,084 filed Feb. 28, 2000 which claims benefit of provisional No. 60/168,478 filed Oct. 8, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system for burning, drilling, or otherwise forming one or more desired vias, blind vias or other surface indentations, indicia, markings and/or other formations in a surface of a desired object, such as a substrate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are currently available a variety of systems for forming a hole, a via, a blind via or some other surface indentation in an exterior surface of an object, but many of these systems are very expensive to purchase and operate at relatively slow production rates. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Wherefore, the present invention seeks to overcome the above noted drawbacks of the prior art by providing a system which is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain while, at the same time, operates at increased production speeds so that the desired vias, blind vias, or other surface indentations, apertures or other surface markings can be achieved in a surface of a desired object during a shorter period of production time. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for ablating a desired high-density array or pattern of vias or other surface indentations or formations in a surface of an object to be processed. 
     Another object of the invention is to facilitate use of a variety of different lasers which operate at different wavelengths and pulse durations, to minimize the associated costs in connection with ablating a high-density array of blind vias, vias or other surface indentations or formations in a surface of an object to be processed. It is to be appreciated that an ultraviolet, a visual, an infrared as well as other types of lasers, extending across the entire spectrum, could be utilized in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus which allows the number of vias or other indentations or formations, to be formed in a surface of an object being processed, to be easily varied during production of the same by control of the intensity and/or duration of a substantially collimated or non-collimated light beam emanating from the laser. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which is relatively less inexpensive to purchase and operate, in comparison to other known systems, while still improving the production rates of the objects to be processed. 
     The present invention also relates to an imaging system for ablating a desired array of features in an object to be processed, the imaging system comprising: a laser for generating an outputting a coherent light beam; an X-axis and Y-axis automatic repeat position for redirecting a path of the coherent light beam; a focusing member for receiving the redirected light from the X- and Y-axis repeat positioners and focusing the coherent light beam at a desired one of a plurality of holographic imaging segments forming a holographic imaging lens; and each one of the holographic imaging segments, comprising the holographic imaging lens, forming a desired formation in a surface of the object to be processed. 
     The present invention also relates to an imaging system for ablating a desired array of features in an object to be processed, the imaging system comprising: a laser for generating an outputting a coherent light beam; at least one expansion lens for receiving the coherent light beam, outputted by the laser, and suitably altering a diameter of the coherent light beam; an X-axis and Y-axis automatic repeat position for redirecting a path of the coherent light beam; a focusing member for receiving the redirected light from the X- and Y-axis repeat positioners and focusing the coherent light beam at a desired one of a plurality of holographic imaging segments forming a holographic imaging lens; and each one of the holographic imaging segments, comprising the holographic imaging lens, forming a desired formation in a surface of the object to be processed; and a computer for controlling operation of one or more of the laser, the X- and Y-repeat positioners, the focusing member, the holographic imaging lens, and a position of the object to be processed to facilitate ablating a desired array of features in the object to be processed. 
     The present invention also relates to an imaging system for ablating a desired array of features in an object to be processed, the imaging system comprising: laser means for generating an outputting a coherent light beam; an X-axis and Y-axis automatic repeat positing means for redirecting a path of the coherent light beam; focusing means for receiving the redirected light from the X- and Y-axis repeat positing means and focusing the coherent light beam at a desired one of a plurality of holographic imaging means forming a holographic imaging lens means; and each one of the holographic imaging means, comprising the holographic imaging lens means, forming a desired formation in a surface of the object to be processed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagrammatically showing the entire system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective diagrammatic view of FIG. 1 showing the laser image system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing an X-axis and Y-axis automate repeat positioner, a collimating lens and a holographic lens which are combined as a single unit for use as the laser imaging system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view diagrammatically showing a mask for use with the laser imaging system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic transverse cross-sectional view of substrate having a plurality of different sizes blind vias formed therein by the laser imaging system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of the laser imaging system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a third embodiment the laser imaging system, according to the present invention, for forming indicia on either a stationary or a moving object to facilitate use of the laser imaging system as a typewriter; 
     FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fourth embodiment the laser imaging system, according to the present invention, for forming a desired nozzle array on a stationary object; 
     FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the laser imaging system, according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the laser imaging system, according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing peripheral components for use with the imaging system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing a horizontal adjustment mechanism for the holographic imaging lens; and 
     FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing incorporation of the imaging system, according to the present invention, as part of a production line for processing a web. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, a detailed description of the imaging system  1  apparatus for ablating high-density array of vias or indentations in a surface of an object, according to the present invention, will now be provided. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a conventional laser  2  (only diagrammatically shown in this Figure) is employed for generating and outputting a laser beam  4 . It is to be appreciated that the laser  2  can be either excimer or non-excimer laser and further details and operating parameters for the preferred laser, for use with the present invention, will be provided below. The laser beam  4 , generated by the laser  2 , is either an ultraviolet, a visible, an infrared, a coherent radiation beam or some other light radiation beam  4  which is supplied along a laser axis  6  toward at least a first expansion telescope or expansion lens  8  and also preferably then supplied to a second expansion telescope or expansion lens  10 . The purpose of the expansion telescope or lens  8  and/or  10  is/are to suitably expand the diameter of the generated ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  so as to have a desired resulting expanded laser diameter for the laser beam  4 . As such expansion feature and teaching is conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed discussion concerning the same is not provided. 
     The expanded ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation beam  4  then continues, along the laser axis  6 , and is directed at and impinges on a first reflective mirror  12  of an X-axis automated repeat positioner  14  of the system  1 . The first reflective mirror  12  of the X-axis automated repeat positioner  14  controls the X-coordinate, along the surface  42  of the object to be processed O, at which the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  will be reflected. The first reflective mirror  12  suitably redirects or alters the path of substantially all of the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  and then reflects the laser beam toward a second reflective mirror  16 , controlled by a Y-axis automated repeat positioner  18  of the system  1 . The second reflective mirror  16 , associated with the Y-axis automated repeat positioner  18 , controls the Y-coordinate, along the surface  42  of the object to be processed O, at which the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  will be reflected. The expanded ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation beam  4  impinges on the second reflective mirror  16  and the second reflective mirror  16  suitably redirects or alters the path of the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  toward a rear surface  24  of a flat field collimating lens or some other refractive, detractive or holographic component  22 , which is conventional and well known in this art. 
     Both the X-axis automated repeat positioner  14  and the Y-axis automated repeat positioner  18  are coupled to a computer  20  which controls the reflective positions of the first and second reflective mirrors  12  and  16 , to suitably reflect and/or redirect the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam at a desired impinging location along the rear surface  24  of the field collimating lens or holographic component  22 . As such automated control feature of the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14  and  18  is conventional and well known in the art, a further detail discussion concerning the same is not provided. 
     A suitable X-axis automated repeat positioner or a Y-axis automated repeat positioner  14  or  18  is sold by Cambridge Technology of Cambridge, Mass., as 6870M Optical Scanner Heads. It is to be appreciated that other currently available scanners or repeat positioners, which facilitate accurate reflecting and/or redirecting of a supplied laser beam, at a desired location of an X, Y coordinate system, could also be employed with the teaching of the present invention. 
     The reflected ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4 ′ enters the rear surface  24  of the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22 , passes therethrough and is suitably altered in a conventional manner by the inherent characteristics of the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22  so that the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam which is emitted from the front surface  26  of the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22  is a substantially collimated beam  28 . This substantially collimated beam  28  is emitted and directed, by the front surface  26  of the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22 , toward a desired area or portion of a rear surface  30  of a holographic imaging lens  32  and strikes and impinges on that desired area or portion. 
     The holographic imaging lens  32  is designed such that as the light enters by way of the rear surface  30  of one of the holographic imaging segments  36 , the light will be focused, by that holographic imaging segment  36  of the holographic imaging lens  32 , at a desired location or locations along a top surface  42  of the object to be processed O. The top surface  42  of the object to be processed O is located at a desired working distance D, for example, between 5 mm and 1000 mm, and preferably between about 200 to 300 mm from the front surface  38  of the holographic imaging lens  32 . The altered light is emitted from the front surface  38  of the holographic imaging lens  32  as focused light beam  43 . 
     This focused light beam  43  is directed at a desired location or locations-depending upon the inherent characteristics of the holographic imaging segment  36 , along the top or other desired surface  42  of the object to be processed O for drilling, burning or otherwise forming a desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  therein of a desired size and a desired depth. It is to be appreciated that the size of the formation(s)  44  is determined and/or defined by the design characteristics of each holographic imaging segment  36  of the holographic imaging lens  32 . In addition, the depth of the formation(s)  44  is a direct function of the duration or amount of pulses of the laser  2  emitted at the top surface  42  of the object to be processed. That is, the longer the duration or greater of the number of pulses of the laser  2 , the greater the depth of the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the object to be processed O, while the shorter the duration or the smaller the number of pulses from the laser  2 , the smaller the depth of the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the object to be processed O. As diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the focused laser beam  43  is shown drilling, burning or otherwise forming a desired formation(s)  44 , such as a blind via, in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O. 
     An important distinction between the present invention and the prior art is that X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioner  14 ,  18  are particularly adapted to reflecting the laser beam at only selected or desired rear area or areas of the holographic imaging lens  32 , not the entire rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32 . As is conventionally done in the prior art, the scanners are employed to scan the laser beam across the entire rear surface of the holographic imaging lens, not only at a selected area or areas, as achieved by the present invention. 
     With reference to FIG. 3, a X-axis, Y-axis automated repeat positioner, collimating lens and holographic unit combined assembly  37  can be seen. The X and Y-axis automated repeat positioners are generally designated as  14 ,  18 , the collimating lens or other holographic component  22  is located beneath the automated positioners, and the holographic imaging lens  32  is located to receive the collimated light from the collimating lens or other holographic component  22 . The arrangement results in a compact design for the main components of the imaging system  1  of the present invention. 
     As can be seen in further detail in FIG. 4, the holographic imaging lens  32 , according to the present invention, is partitioned into a plurality of desired separate holographic imaging segments  36  and each holographic imaging segment  36  is designed to form, burn or drill at least one, and possibly two or more, desired size via, blind via, hole, aperture, indicia, indentation, feature or other formation  44  in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O. The holographic imaging lens  32 , as shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  4 , is partitioned into thirty-six (36) different holographic imaging segment  36  and each holographic imaging segment  36  is designed to form, according to the first embodiment, a corresponding blind desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O. 
     It is to be appreciated that the number of holographic imaging segments  36 , being incorporated into the holographic imaging lens  32 , can vary from application to application. Further, the number of desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44 , to be formed by each holographic imaging segment  36 , can be vary from application to application. Accordingly, the holographic imaging lens  32 , according to the present invention, can be designed to drill, form or otherwise burn only a few or many tens of thousands of desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the desired object to be processed O. The important feature, according to the present invention, is that all the holographic imaging segments  36  are arranged and located closely adjacent one another so as to all lie in the same plane P, which plane extends parallel to the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O, so as to be readily illuminated with the focused light beam  43 . 
     The holographic segments  36  are either glued or otherwise are affixed to one another in a conventional manner or a perimeter retaining ring or some other retaining member encases and maintains the holographic segments in their close adjacent planar relationship. Alternatively, the holographic imaging lens  32  can be formed from a single unitary piece of material and each holographic segment can be designed to form the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44 . 
     According to the present invention, the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14  and  18  are controlled by the computer  20 , or other automated system to select the desired area or portion of the rear surface  24  of the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22  to be illuminated by the substantially collimated beam  28 . The substantially collimated beam  28  passes through the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22  and emanates from a front surface  26  thereof toward the rear surface of a desired one of the holographic imaging segments  36  of the holographic imaging lens  32 . The substantially collimated beam  28  strikes a desired area or portion, within the desired holographic imaging segment  36 , and the substantially collimated beam  28  is focused, in a conventional manner, by the holographic imaging segment  36  to result in the focused beam  43  which facilitates drilling, burning, or formation of the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O. 
     The holographic imaging lens  32 , which comprises a plurality of holographic imaging segments  36 , can be obtained from a variety of sources such as, for example, Diffraction Ltd. of Waitsfield, Vt., Digital Optics Corporation, of Charlotte, N.C., MEMS Optical, LLC. of Huntsville, Ala. and Rochester Photonics Corp. of Rochester, N.Y. 
     It is to be appreciated that if a total of thirty-six (36) holes or formations  44  were to be formed in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each one of the holographic imaging segments  36  of the holographic imaging lens  32  would be designed to form a single desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  and be sequentially illuminated with the substantially collimated beam  28 , in a desired sequential illumination order, for a desired number of pulses or a desired pulse duration. Alternatively, if only some desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  are required to be burned, drilled or formed in the top surface  42  of the object to be processed O, but other desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  are not required, only the holographic imaging segments  36  which are designed to form the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the top surface  42  of the substrate to be processed O are illuminated with the substantially collimated beam  28  while the holographic imaging segments  36 , which would form the unwanted blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  in the top surface  42  of the substrate to be processed O, are not illuminated with the substantially collimated beam  28 . 
     The holographic imaging lens  32 , as can be seen in FIG. 4, essentially comprises a plurality of separate holographic imaging lens or segments  36  which are all located closely adjacent one another, in a desired orientation and all lying substantially in the same plane P to form a continuous unitary component. This arrangement facilitates a compact design of the holographic imaging lens  32  and allows the system to selectively and readily control which holographic imaging segment or segments  36 , of the holographic imaging lens  32 , are activated during production of a desired substrate or object to be processed O via appropriate control of the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14  and  18 . Such construction provides the system, according to the present invention, with greater flexibility and allows variation in the amount and location of the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44  to be formed, burnt or drilled in the top surface  42  of object to be processed O during commercial production of the same. 
     With reference to FIG. 5, an example of an object to be processed O can be seen. As shown in this Figure, the object to be processed O contains a base layer  50  which comprises, for example, a standard metal such as aluminum, copper, gold, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, platinum, silver, titanium, tungsten, metal nitrides or a combination(s) thereof. The thickness of the metal base layer  50  may vary but typically ranges between about 9 to about 36 μm and may be as thick as about 70 μm. The top layer  52  comprises, for example, a standard organic dielectric materials as BT, cardboard, cyanates esters, epoxies, phenolics, polyimides, PTFE, various polymer alloys, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the top layer  52  is generally thicker than the base layer  50  and typically ranges between about 50 to about 200 μm. 
     As can be seen in FIG. 5, a plurality of blind vias  46  are formed therein and some of the blind vias  46  can have different diameters. As noted above, the diameter of the blind vias  46  are determined by the focusing characteristics of the holographic imaging lens  32 , e.g. the holographic imaging lens focuses the supplied collimated light beam  28  over a wider area to achieve larger diameter blind via and focuses the light over a narrower area to achieve narrower diameter blind via. In both cases, it is to be appreciated that the duration or number of pulses are controlled by the imaging system  1  to insure that the entire top layer  52  of the object to be processed O is obliterated to thereby expose the underlying metal base layer  50  while being of a substantially short enough intensity and duration so as not to in any way destroy or obliterate the underlying base layer  50 . 
     It is to be appreciated that a variation of the holographic imaging lens, as shown in FIG. 6, can be substituted in place of the field collimating lens  22 . If a collimating holographic imaging lens  22 ′ is employed as the field collimating lens, then the collimating holographic imaging lens  22 ′ is designed so as to receive light from the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14  and  18  and redirect the supplied ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4 , as a substantially collimated beam  28 , at a desired rear surface of one of the holographic imaging segments  36  of the holographic imaging lens  32  . The collimating holographic imaging lens  22 ′ is designed to collimate the supplied light beam and redirect the beam  4 ′ light toward the holographic imaging lens  32  so that the substantially collimated beam  28  enters the rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32  at an angle of about of between about 0° to about 90° or some other predetermined angle depending upon the design parameters of the imaging system  1 . 
     The inventors have appreciated that if the substantially collimated beam  28 , supplied by the field collimating lens or other holographic component  22 , is redirected at the rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32  at an angle of about 45° or so, the efficiency of the holographic imaging lens  32  is significantly increased over the efficiency when the substantially collimated beam  28  is redirected at the rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32  at an angle of about 90°. That is, the efficiency of the holographic imaging lens  32  is less when the substantially collimated beam  28  enters the rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32  at an angle of about 90° while the efficiency increases if the substantially collimated beam  28  enters the rear surface of the holographice imaging lens  32  at a suitable angle of about between 0° and 90°. Accordingly, thee desired angle in which the substantially collimated beam  28  enters the rear surface of the holographic imaging lens  32  can vary, from application to application, and can be determined by trial and error depending upon the parameters of the imaging system  1 . Therefore, by using a collimating holographic imaging lens as the field collimating lens  22 , the overall efficiency of this system can be increased without changing or modifying any of the other system requirements or parameters. 
     Turning now to FIG. 7, the holographic imaging lens  32  can be designed to result essentially in a holographic imaging keyboard  32 Δ, e.g. there can be twenty-six (26) holographic imaging segments  36 Δ with each holographic segment being designed to form, burn or drill a one of the  26  letters of the alphabet, an additional ten (10) holographic imaging segments  36 Δ with each additional holographic segment being designed to form, burn or drill one number from zero through 9, and a further plurality of holographic imaging segments  36 Δ with each further holographic segment being designed to form, burn or drill desired punctuation, indicia, emblem, design logo, etc. By operation of the laser (not shown in this Figure) and adequately controlling of the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14 ,  18 , via the computer  20  as described above, the ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4  can be suitably collimated and supplied at a rear surface of a desired one of the holographic imaging segments  36 Δ of the holographic imaging keyboard  32 Δ to type, drill or form a desired letter, numeral, indicia, etc., in a top surface of an object to be processed, e.g. a cable or wire  51  running at high speed which is to have a desired marking, such as “A 0903C”, formed in an exterior surface thereof. 
     According to this embodiment, each image or other indicia to be formed by the holographic imaging keyboard  32 Δ is focused by an appropriated one of the holographic imaging segments  36 Δ, once that segment is struck with the supplied ultraviolet, visible, infrared or other light radiation laser beam  4 , to form the desired indicia at the same area or “printing location”  53 . Accordingly, during operation of the imaging system  1 , as a cable or wire  51 , for example, moves past the “printing location”  53 , the X-axis and the Y-axis automated repeat positioners  14 ,  18  are controlled by the computer  20  to select the desired one of the holographic imaging segment(s)  36 Δ so as to type, burn, drill or form a desired letter, numeral, character, indicia, etc., in an exterior surface  54  of the wire  51  or other object as the wire  51  moves past the “printing location”  53 . It is to be appreciated that the system, according to the present invention, incorporating the holographic imaging keyboard  32 Δ operates at a very high speed such that the desired letter, numeral, character, indicia, etc., are essentially printed in sequential order, one after the other, to result in a desired imprinted pattern, e.g. “A 0903C”, on the wire  51 . 
     Instead of using alphanumeric characters for the keyboard, each segment  36 Δ can be provided with suitable light altering information for forming a desired bar code or other convention and when known marking indicia on an exterior surface of an object as it moves relative to the imaging system  1  or remains stationary at the “printing location”  53 . As such teaching is conventional and well known to those skilled in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same will not be provided. 
     The above described embodiment is particularly useful for marking alpha-numeric characters at a rate that is approximately double the rate of any known marking system currently available on the market. The imaging system  1  uses a specially designed segmented array to create the required surface marks, which may be, for example, bar codes, letters, numbers, punctuation marks, logos, foreign characters, etc. This segmented array is designed to image every character of the array at the same location while the object or component, requiring the surface marking, is suitably moved or indexed relative to the printing zone or location  53  so as to mark the desired bar code(s), letter(s), number(s), punctuation mark(s), logo(s), foreign character(s), etc., in the exterior surface of the object or component. 
     A further application of the imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, is to for use with marking different fiber materials with a code or code identifying or designating a specific production batch number(s), date(s), production facility, and other desired information that would be helpful or beneficial to a forensic investigator(s) when investigating a crime scene or when explosives have been used. Such small fibers can be made from a host of materials such as Kevlar®, carbon, glass, quartz, stainless steel, plastic, etc. The imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, will allow these fibers to be effectively processed or marked, at extremely low costs and at a high speed, to assist with identification. 
     A further application of the present invention is two-dimensional bar code marking at high speed. The imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, can be configured to provide high speed production marking of two-dimensional bar codes onto a either a stationary or a moving surface of a product or object. The system&#39;s segmented lens array can be used to image a series or group of associated indentations or other surface markings that can be formed into a two-dimensional bar code or other indicia that can be read using standard optical character recognition software. This method and system for marking is similar to the way the present invention drills, burns or forms the holes of a nozzle array except the system will only sufficiently mark the top surface to form the desired two-dimensional bar code character or other indicia. It is to be appreciated that a plurality of closely arranged and aligned indentations or surface marks will comprise or form each desired bar code(s), letter(s), number(s), punctuation, mark(s), logo(s), foreign character(s), etc. The imaging system  1  offers an extremely high rate marking capability that is currently not available by prior art marking systems. 
     It is to be appreciated that the imaging system  1 , of the present invention, can be used to perforate a plurality of small orifices or holes (see FIG.  8 ), in a single or a multi-layered material, to enable the formation of a desired nozzle array for use in forcing a liquid (e.g. a perfumed, a solvent, a pharmaceutical, a chemical, etc.) therethrough to result in a desired spray configuration or pattern. The force fluid, upon exiting from the nozzle array, is atomized into small minute particles and dispersed in a desired spray configuration at a target. The imaging system, according to the present invention, allows the formation of such orifices, nozzles, holes, etc., in a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, polyimide, lexan, brass, molybdenum, copper, aluminum, etc, for example. 
     The present invention is also well-suited for forming a set of miniature surface markings on an interior surface adjacent a breech end of a gun barrel of a firearm. In particular, the present system can be employed to form a desired unique bar code, matrix, an alpha numeric code, or any desired identifying indicia on an inner surface of the firearm, adjacent the breech end of the gun barrel. Once the gun barrel is suitably processed or marked with the identifying indicia, when the firearm is discharged in a conventional manner, the loaded gun shell normally expands slightly, due to the gunpowder within the gun shell instantaneously igniting and heating the gun shell. This rapid expansion of the gun shell causes the exterior surface of the gun shell to be forced against the inwardly facing surface adjacent the breech end of the gun barrel such that the identifying indicia, formed on the inwardly facing surface of the breech end of the gun barrel, forms a mating or matching impression or marking on the exterior surface of the gun shell. Upon discharge of the gun shell from the gun barrel, this matching impression or marking facilitates identifying which gun shell was discharged from which gun barrel. Such marking of the gun shell assists ballistics experts with confirming that a particular gun shell was discharged from a particular barrel of a firearm. If desired, a plurality of identical miniature surface markings can be formed, at spaced locations about the interior surface adjacent the breech end of a gun barrel of a firearm, to make it more difficult for an end user to located and completely remove all of such miniature surface markings from the interior surface of the breech end of the gun barrel so processed or marked. 
     It is to be appreciated that a plurality of identical imaging systems  1 , each similarly to any one of the above described embodiments, can be simultaneously used in combination with one another to form, drill or burn a desired matrix of features in the same object to be processed O. Further, it is to be appreciated that there are a variety of different arrangements that could be utilized to move the object to be processed O relative to the focused beam  43 . For example, the object O, the field collimating lens other holographic component  22 , and the holographic imaging lens  32  can all be mounted on a table  56  which is movable in the X-axis and the Y-axis directions and coupled to the computer  20  for controlling movement of the table  56  relative to the focused beam  43  (FIG.  9 ). Alternatively, the X-axis Y-axis repeat positioner  14 ,  18  can be replaced with a single mirror mounted on a table  12 ′ and movable in both the X- and Y-axis directions (FIG.  10 ). This table  12 ′ is also coupled to the computer  20  and appropriately moves to redirect the light beam  4  to a desired rear surface of the field collimating lens other holographic component  22  to facilitate illumination of a desired one of the holographic imaging segments  36 . As such teaching in conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same is not provided. 
     With reference to FIG. 11, an embodiment is shown in which the entire imaging system  1  is diagrammatically housed within an enclosure  62 . The enclosure  62  also accommodates the computer  20  which is coupled, as described above, to control operation of the imaging system  1 . In addition, a monitor  64  as well as a keyboard  66  are coupled to the computer  20 . The keyboard  66  facilitates inputting of a desired command(s), by an end user, to the computer  20  for controlling operation of the imaging system  1  and the monitor  64  facilitates viewing of any such entered command(s) as well as viewing of any warnings, error(s), messages, instructions, queries, data, information, etc., to be displayed by the imaging system  1 . Computer software  68  is incorporated, in a conventional manner, into the computer  20  which facilitates operation and control of the laser  2  and the X-axis and Y-axis automated repeat positions  14 ,  18  as well as controlling relative movement between the object to be possessed O a remainder of the imaging system  1 . 
     The support frame  72  generally comprises four legs or sides  74  (only two of which are shown in FIG. 11) which facilitates supporting a top working surface  76  at a desired distance from a floor or ground surface  78 . As can be seen in FIG. 11, all of the components of the imaging system  1  are housed within the enclosure  62  which is suspended, at a fixed location by additional framework  80 , a desired working distance D above a central area of the working surface  76 . A desired object to be processed or marked  82  with blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia, indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44 , e.g. a flexible coated or uncoated web, can be unwound and dispensed via conventional web dispensing equipment  84  and conveyed across the working surface  76  of the imaging system  1  of the present invention. As the desired object to be processed or marked  82  is conveyed across the working surface  76 , the top surface of the desired object to be marked  82  is suitably marked, e.g. formed, burnt or drilled, with the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia(s), indentation(s), feature(s) or other surface formation(s)  44 . 
     Following such marking, the processed object to be marked  82  is then rewound by conventional rewinding equipment  86  and ultimately conveyed, in a known manner, to other operation(s) for further processing. It is to be appreciated that the dispensing equipment  84  and the rewinding equipment  86  are both coupled to the computer  20 , via conventional electrical couplings, to facilitate control of either uniform sequential indexing or continuous feed, of the desired object to be processed or marked  82 , at a desired processing speed along the working surface  76  of the imaging system  1  to facilitate marking of the desired object to be processed or marked  82  at a desired production rate. 
     In a preferred form of the present invention, the holographic imaging lens  32  is supported by a holographic imaging array plate  87  which is mounted by a horizontal adjustment mechanism  88  (FIG. 12) to facilitate aligning the horizontal plane P of the holographic imaging lens  32  so that this horizontal plane is position exactly parallel with the top working surface  76  of the imaging system  1 . To facilitate such alignment, preferably one corner portion of the holographic imaging lens  32  is fixedly mounted  90  to the enclosure  62  (not shown in detail) but that corner is allowed to pivot relative thereto. Each of the three other corners or portions of the holographic imaging lens  32  are also supported by a separate linear actuator  92 . Each one of these three linear actuators  92  is coupled to a mating position sensor feedback device  94  and all of the linear actuators  92  and their associated position sensor feedback devices  94  are coupled to the computer  20  to facilitate controlling operation of those components. 
     Prior to processing of the desired object by the imaging system  1 , the computer  20  sequentially actuates each one of the imaging segments  36 , comprising the holographic imaging lens  32 , to confirm that the working distance D between the holographic imaging lens  32  and the working surface  76  of the imaging system  1  are correctly positioned and/or that the holographic imaging lens  32  is aligned exactly parallel with respect to the working surface  76 . In the event, that any adjustment of the holographic imaging lens  32  relative to the working surface  76  of the imaging system  1  is required, a suitable one or ones of the linear actuators  92  is/are supplied with electrical power to operate an internal drive (not shown in detail) in a first direction to raise that end portion of the holographic imaging lens  32 , along a Z-axis extending perpendicular to the working surface  76 , by a suitable distance, or in an opposite direction, along the Z-axis extending perpendicular to the working surface  76 , to lower that end portion of the holographic imaging lens  32  by a suitable distance. Once this occurs, the computer  20  then again actuates each one of the imaging segments  36  to verify whether on not the holographic imaging lens  32  is properly horizontally aligned with the working surface  76 . This alignment procedure continues until the computer  20  determines that the holographic imaging lens  32  is suitably horizontally aligned with respect to the working surface  76 . 
     With reference to FIG. 13, incorporation of the imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, as a component and incorporated in part of a production line, will now be briefly described. As can be seen in FIG. 13, an uncoated web  96  is initially manufactured by a conventional process and wound a core  98 . The core  98  is supported by conventional dispensing or unwinding equipment  100  to facilitate unwinding of the uncoated web  96  in a uniform manner. During operation, the uncoated web  96  is transported, as is typical in this art, over a plurality of spaced rollers (not numbered) and fed into an inlet of a coater  102  where a suitable coating, e.g. powder, metal deposition, dielectric deposition, is applied to either one or both opposed surfaces of the uncoated web  96 . The thus coated web  103  is then conveyed through an oven  104  where the heat emitted from the oven facilitates adhesion of the powder coating to one of both surfaces of the coated web  103 . 
     Next, the coated web  103  is conveyed over a plurality of spaced rollers (not numbered) and fed across the working surface  76  of the imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, where the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia(s), indentation(s), feature(s), or other surface formation(s)  44  are formed, burnt or drilled, as described above, in the top surface  42  of the coated web  103 . Finally, the coated and appropriated processed or marked coated web  105  then passes over a plurality of spaced conventional rewind rollers (not numbered), to facilitate proper rewinding of the coated and appropriated processed or marked coated web  105 , and is wound on a rewound core  106  by conventional rewind equipment  108 . The rewound core  106  of suitably coated and appropriated processed or marked web  105  can then be further processed, as required by conventional equipment in a known manner. 
     In a preferred form of the invention, a machine vision camera  112  (only diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 13) is coupled to the computer  20  of the imaging system  2 , via a conventional cable  114 , for observing the object to be processed O to view the drilling, burning, and/or formation of the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia(s), indentation(s), feature(s), or other surface formation(s)  44  in a desired surface of the object to be processed O. Once the desired blind via(s), aperture(s), opening(s), indicia(s), indentation(s), feature(s), or other surface formation(s)  44  are formed, burnt or drilled in the object to be processed O by the imaging system  2 , the object to be processed O can then be further manipulated by the production line, e.g. be rewound on a core, can be package or further conveyed, etc., depending upon the particular application. The computer  20  is typically electrically connected, by a cable  116  and  118 , to motors (not shown) which control drive of the dispensing or unwinding equipment  100  and the rewinding equipment  108  for controlling further manipulation or manufacturing, inspection, transportation, processing, sorting, orientation, etc., of the object to be processed O As such teaching is well known in the art and as the present invention primarily relates to the imaging system  2 , a further detailed description concerning the machine vision camera  112  and its associated components are not provided. 
     Suitable lasers, for use with the present invention, will now be briefly discussed. The present invention contemplates use of a variety of different lasers such as a slow flow CO 2 , CO 2  TEA (transverse-electric-discharge), Impact CO 2 , and Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF, and Nd:YAP and Nd:YVO and Alexandrite lasers. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the imaging system  1 , according to the present invention, can utilize all other forms of lasers including gas discharge lasers, solid state flash lamp pumped lasers, solid state diode pumped lasers, ion gas lasers, and RF wave-guided lasers. The above identified lasers are currently available on the market from a variety of different manufacturers. 
     As used in the appended claims, the term “coherent light beam” is intended to cover ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and/or other types of known light radiation beams employed to form a desired formation in a surface of the object to be processed. 
     It is to be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to both collimated light as well as non-collimated light. 
     Since certain changes may be made in the above described method and system, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.