Microstructuring with Femtosecond Lasers

Using ultrashort laser pulses can cause the ablation of nearly all kinds of materials, leading to very precise machining results with minimal damage. This includes even the machining of delicate materials with high heat conductivities or comparatively low melting temperatures, such as metals, as well as optical transparent and organic materials. The best results are obtained using pulses with sub-picosecond duration. This report summarizes recent progress in ultrashort pulse laser machining. Several promising applications in microstructuring, nanotechnology and medicine are highlighted.