This book describes the basic mechanisms, theory, simulations and technological aspects of Laser processing techniques. It covers the principles of laser quenching, welding, cutting, alloying, selective sintering, ablation, etc. The main attention is paid to the quantitative description. The diversity and complexity of technological and physical processes is discussed using a unitary approach. The book aims on understanding the cause-and-effect relations in physical processes in Laser technologies. It will help researchers and engineers to improve the existing and develop new Laser machining techniques. The book addresses readers with a certain background in general physics and mathematical analysis: graduate students, researchers and engineers practicing laser applications.

Ultrashort laser pulses with durations in the femtosecond range up to a few picoseconds provide a unique method for precise materials processing or medical applications. Paired with the recent developments in ultrashort pulse lasers, this technology is finding its way into various application fields. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of ultrashort pulse lasers, especially applied to medicine and production technology. Recent advances in laser technology are discussed in detail. This covers the development of reliable and cheap low power laser sources as well as high average power ultrashort pulse lasers for large scale manufacturing. The fundamentals of laser-matter-interaction as well as processing strategies and the required system technology are discussed for these laser sources with respect to precise materials processing. Finally, different applications within medicine, measurement technology or materials processing are highlighted.

Laser materials processing has made tremendous progress and is now at the forefront of industrial and medical applications. The book describes recent advances in smart and nanoscaled materials going well beyond the traditional cutting and welding applications. As no analytical methods are described the examples are really going into the details of what nowadways is possible by employing lasers for sophisticated materials processing giving rise to achievements not possible by conventional materials processing.

The complete guide to understanding and using lasers in material processing!Lasers are now an integral part of modern society, providing extraordinary opportunities for innovation in an ever-widening range of material processing and manufacturing applications. The study of laser material processing is a core element of many materials and manufacturing courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. As a consequence, there is now a vast amount of research on the theory and application of lasers to be absorbed by students, industrial researchers, practising engineers and production managers. Written by an acknowledged expert in the field with over twenty years' experience in laser processing, John Ion distils cutting-edge information and research into a single key text. Essential for anyone studying or working with lasers, Laser Processing of Engineering Materials provides a clear explanation of the underlying principles, including physics, chemistry and materials science, along with a framework of available laser processes and their distinguishing features and variables. This book delivers the knowledge needed to understand and apply lasers to the processing of engineering materials, and is highly recommended as a valuable guide to this revolutionary manufacturing technology. The first single volume text that treats this core engineering subject in a systematic manner Covers the principles, practice and application of lasers in all contemporary industrial processes; packed with examples, materials data and analysis, and modelling techniques

The processing and analyzing of materials by short laser pulses demonstrates a significant scientific, technological, and industrial potential that has been revealed largely over the last decade. This book presents seven chapters of literature reviews written by experts from the international scientific community. It covers recent advances in laser ablation technologies for producing Li-ion battery materials and components; pulsed laser deposition of ferroelectric materials; fundamentals of ultra-short pulse laser interaction with metals, semiconductors, or dielectrics; synthesis of nanoparticles in liquid of a variety of materials by laser ablation; processing of biological tissues and materials by ultrashort-pulse burst-mode laser; gemstone identification using laser-induced Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and photoluminescence lifetime analysis and machine learning for reliable quantitative elemental analysis of materials from LIBS spectral data.

New chapters on bending and cleaning reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to users of this well-known text. Professor Steen's lively presentation is supported by a number of original cartoons by Patrick Wright and Noel Ford, which will bring a smile to your face and ease the learning process. From the reviews: "...well organized, and the text is very practical...The engineering community will find this book informative and useful." (OPTICS AND PHOTONICS NEWS, July/August 2005)