Carbon-di-oxide lasers in electronics industry

The carbon-di-oxide (CO2) lasers are capable of delivering very high power densities. This high energy that is obtainable in the focused output of this laser beam enables it to be used as a source of thermal energy for such fabrication processes as melting, welding and surface treatment. The small intensely heated zone has been used for cutting, trimming, controlled evaporation of thin films, and welding during manufacture of electronic components. Contact free operation, ease of automation, accuracy of positioning and high throughput obtainable are some of the advantages achieved. This paper describes some of the applications of CO2 lasers in the electronics industry. It also presents a companion of the laser techniques with the conventional methods.