Shaping convex edges in borosilicate glass by single pass perforation with an Airy beam

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how to create curved modifications and convex edges in borosilicate glass using a single pass of a 1030 nm picosecond laser with an Airy beam, optimizing parameters to achieve precise shaping.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for shaping glass edges with an Airy beam laser, combining experimental and numerical analysis to optimize parameters for confined energy deposition.

Findings

Achieved curved modifications up to 2 mm in length.

Successfully cut 525 μm thick glass with a convex edge.

Optimized laser parameters for confined bulk energy deposition.

Abstract

We demonstrate curved modifications with lengths of up to 2 mm within borosilicate glass produced by single 1030 nm picosecond laser shots with an Airy beam profile. Plasma ignition in the side lobes of the beam as well as surface damage prove to be the crucial limitations for confined bulk energy deposition on a curved trajectory. A combined experimental and numerical analysis reveals optimum laser parameters for confined bulk energy deposition. This way we achieved single pass cutting of a 525 $\mu$m thick glass sheet with a well defined convex edge down to a bending radius of 774 $\mu$m.