Traditional laser processing generally uses Gaussian beams. The disadvantage of laser processing with Gaussian beam profiles is that the energy cannot be accurately distributed. The following figure uses laser peeling paint as an example to show the comparison of Gaussian laser processing and flat top laser processing. Here, the peeled paint achieves complete ablation only in regions where the laser intensity exceeds the ablation threshold. Any energy above this threshold can damage the underlying substrate material. The energy of the falling edge of the Gaussian distribution is below the ablation threshold, creating thermal effects that can lead to damage to the substrate structure. Studies have shown that only 36.8% of the energy in a Gaussian beam is effectively used for paint ablation. The flat-top spot can significantly improve this energy matching with the ablation threshold, with the help of which the excess energy above the threshold and excess energy in the falling edge can be reduced, avoiding the need for laser scribing on the substrate and adjacent Potential damage to the area, greatly improving the processing effect.
Advantages of flat-top beams:
High uniformity
High efficiency/high light efficiency, energy utilization up to 95%
Sharp spot edge, good cut-off characteristics