Materials research using ultra-short pulse laser source

University of Bayreuth has large-scale device at its disposal.

The engineering sciences at the University of Bayreuth recently acquired a unique laser device equipped with an ultra-short pulse laser source for material processing. In the fields of gas sensor technology, high-frequency technology, and microsystems technology, the device opens up unimagined research possibilities. It can structure layers and coatings on sensitive surfaces with great precision. Hardened or fired technical substrates of all kinds can be precisely cut or milled. The device costed almost € 400,000. The German Research Foundation (DFG) provided 50 per cent of the funding for the purchase of the device at the Functional Materials research group.

The new device is able to generate ultra-short laser pulses that last 1.5 picoseconds – not much longer than a trillionth of a second. As a result, almost no heat transfer occurs during material processing with this laser: The material hit by the laser beam with utmost accuracy evaporates immediately. Consequently, it is all the easier to structure and engrave surfaces at the micrometer level in a controlled manner without damaging adjacent areas. Other examples are the removal of transparent and extremely thin layers from the substrate, or the detachment of metal from plastics. In addition, precise cutting and milling of ceramic materials, for example aluminium oxide, is also possible.

“The new laser processing system is invaluable for the research and development of innovative functional materials, for example of highly sensitive sensors or ultra-fine structured printed circuit boards. On the campus of the University of Bayreuth, it will be accessible to all natural and technical sciences research areas, as well as to external research partners. The device will also enable young scientists from and outside of the University of Bayreuth to work on research topics for which the necessary infrastructure is lacking at many other university locations,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Moos, Chair of Functional Materials. “Even our previous device brought us repeated enquiries over recent years, that were the starting point for very interesting research work. I am sure that we will receive just as many requests for our new laser processing system, and get involved in exciting new challenges,” says Dr.-Ing. Jaroslaw Kita, who supervises the device at Functional Materials.

Wissenschaftliche Ansprechpartner:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Moos / Dr.-Ing. Jaroslaw Kita
Functional Materials
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (921) 55-7400 / 55-7407
E-mail: funktionsmaterialien@uni-bayreuth.de

http://www.uni-bayreuth.de/