A review of laser materials processing paradigms

MRS Bulletin, vol. 50, pp. 1519–1538

Abstract

Abstract Laser-based processing of materials has progressed from traditional applications such as macroscale cutting and welding, to sophisticated techniques, including ultrafast micromachining, additive manufacturing, and surface engineering at micro- and nano-metric scales. Innovations in laser source technology, particularly the advent of high-power and ultrashort-pulse lasers, have expanded the range of processable materials, enabled a plethora of manufacturing applications, and propelled groundbreaking research in optics, photonics, electronics, and biomedical domains. In this article, we provide a concise, yet broad review of the congruent evolution of lasers and materials processing, and highlight seminal developments in the field over the years, combined with a critical assessment of the state of the art. Finally, we also provide an outlook on emerging needs, as well as a roadmap of anticipated developments in laser technologies and materials platforms over the next 50 years. Graphic Abstract

Authors 11

1. T. U. Tumkur corresponding

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA

2. Runxuan Li

   University of California, Berkeley

   Affiliation as printed

   Laser Thermal Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA

3. Vasileios Korakis

   University of California, Berkeley

   Affiliation as printed

   Laser Thermal Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA

4. Tim Lantzsch Aachen Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen, Germany

5. Edgar Willenborg Aachen Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen, Germany

6. Christian Vedder Aachen Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen, Germany

7. Ted A. Laurence

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA

8. Raymond John Beach

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA

9. Constantin Häfner Aachen Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen, Germany

10. Costas P. Grigoropoulos

    University of California, Berkeley

    Affiliation as printed

    Laser Thermal Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA

11. Manyalibo J. Matthews corresponding

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

    Affiliation as printed

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA