Short-pulse lasers have unique capabilities. Industry uses them for numerous applications. On the one hand, the range includes short-pulse lasers with pulse durations in the nanosecond range, hence also called nanosecond lasers. On the other hand, it includes ultrashort pulse lasers with pulse durations in the pico- and femtosecond range, referred to as pico- and femtosecond lasers. Due to the short exposure time of the laser beam to the material, the heat-affected zone is very small; this is referred to as cold ablation. In this process, the material does not melt, but vaporizes. The non-linear absorption of short pulse lasers makes it possible to process almost any material, such as steel, copper, brass, ceramics, various plastics, glass and many more.

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