@article{LutzRothRungetal.2021, author = {Lutz, Christian and Roth, Gian-Luca and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Efficient Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Processing by Dynamic Spatial Light Modulator Beam Shaping for Industrial Use}, series = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, volume = {16}, journal = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, number = {1}, doi = {10.2961/jlmn.2021.01.2011}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2021}, abstract = {We report on the effect of different transversal beam shapes on the efficiency of ablation processes and the resulting surface characteristics. A possibility to efficiently apply ultrashort pulsed lasers with high average power is beam shaping. By using a cooled reflective based liquid crystal spatial light modulator to generate different spot distributions, it is possible to spatially allocate the available power to avoid excessive high fluences. In our experiments, we determine the optimal fluence to ablate the maximum volume per watt to be in the range of 0.2-0.4 J/cm². Based on this fluence, we increase the number of spots from one to a maximum of twenty to ablate steel in a multilayer scanning-based process. In this context, we examine the influence of different separation distances between the spots on the ablation efficiency and roughness. Subsequently to these investigations, we develop an efficient roughing process with higher ablation rates and a nearly constant roughness.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{RothKeferHessleretal.2021, author = {Roth, Gian-Luca and Kefer, Stefan and Hessler, Steffen and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Integration of Microfluidic and Photonic Components within Transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymers by Using fs Laser}, series = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, volume = {16}, journal = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, number = {1}, doi = {10.2961/jlmn.2021.01.2009}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In this study, we report on the integration of microfluidic channels and optical components by focusing femtosecond laser radiation inside transparent cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) bulk material. An internal localized material modification is triggered based on nonlinear absorption of the laser radiation's high intensities inside the focal volume. The size and shape of the three-dimensional internal modification are controlled by using an adaptive beam shaping setup. The irradiated areas show a positive refractive index shift and can be used as Type I internal optical waveguides. Furthermore, precise control of the spatial pulse-to-pulse distance in combination with a suitable beam profile enables the integration of functional photonic elements, e.g., Bragg gratings, into the waveguide. Thus, it also enables the generation of integrated photonic sensors. In addition, internal fs laser-induced modifications are characterized by a lower thermal stability as compared to the pristine polymer material. By performing a post-annealing process step, internal hollow microstructures are created by gaseous degradation of the exposed areas. Circular microchannels can be generated in a deliberately chosen layout by employing motorized 3D stages. In comparison to etching-based fabrication methods the proposed technology facilitates unlimited channel lengths, as it omits restrictions arising from an etching selectivity and duration. Altogether, this contribution paves the way towards the fabrication of internal three-dimensional optofluidic devices, equipped with a photonic sensor. In contrast, microfluidic and photonic structures are both created by femtosecond laser direct writing inside of transparent polymers.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{KeferZettlEsenetal.2022, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Zettl, Julian and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Femtosecond Laser-Based Micromachining of Rotational-Symmetric Sapphire Workpieces}, series = {Materials}, volume = {15}, journal = {Materials}, number = {18}, doi = {10.3390/ ma15186233}, pages = {6233 -- 6233}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Sapphire is a robust and wear-resistant material. However, efficient and high-quality micromachining is still a challenge. This contribution demonstrates and discusses two novels, previously unreported approaches for femtosecond laser-based micromachining of rotational-symmetric sapphire workpieces, whereas both methods are in principal hybrids of laser scanning and laser turning or laser lathe. The first process, a combination of a sequential linear hatch pattern in parallel to the workpiece's main axis with a defined incremental workpiece rotation, enables the fabrication of sapphire fibers with diameters of 50 µm over a length of 4.5 mm. Furthermore, sapphire specimens with a diameter of 25 µm over a length of 2 mm can be fabricated whereas an arithmetical mean height, i.e., Sa parameter, of 281 nm is achieved. The second process combines a constant workpiece feed and orthogonal scanning with incremental workpiece rotation. With this approach, workpiece length limitations of the first process are overcome and sapphire fibers with an average diameter of 90 µm over a length of 20 cm are manufactured. Again, the sapphire specimen exhibits a comparable surface roughness with an average Sa value of 249 nm over 20 cm. Based on the obtained results, the proposed manufacturing method paves an innovative and flexible, all laser-based way towards the fabrication or microstructuring of sapphire optical devices, and thus, a promising alternative to chemical processes.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{ZettlEsenHellmann2023, author = {Zettl, Julian and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fundamental Considerations and Analysis of the Energy Distribution in Laser Turning with Ultrashort Laser Pulses}, series = {mdpi Micromachines}, volume = {14}, journal = {mdpi Micromachines}, number = {10}, doi = {10.3390/mi14101838}, pages = {1 -- 15}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This article discusses the process of the laser turning of rotational symmetric, cylindrical components using ultrashort laser pulses with respect to the geometrical conditions and the resulting energy distribution during the laser turning process. As a result, process predictions and potential process optimizations are feasible. Particular attention is drawn to the laser spot formation on the cylindrical surface of the work piece in conjunction with the positioning of the laser beam relative to the rotation axis of the specimen. Based on fundamental calculations and experimental results, an optimum processing strategy is discussed, whereat the use of a trepanning optic in the laser turning process and the forming of a particular surface structure is additionally being issued.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{LutzHelmTschirpkeetal.2023, author = {Lutz, Christian and Helm, Jonas and Tschirpke, Katrin and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Drilling Sequence Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms to Reduce Heat Accumulation for Femtosecond Laser Drilling with Multi-Spot Beam Profiles}, series = {MDPI Materials}, volume = {2023}, journal = {MDPI Materials}, number = {16/5775}, doi = {10.3390/ma16175775}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on laser drilling borehole arrays using ultrashort pulsed lasers with a particular focus on reducing the inadvertent heat accumulation across the workpiece by optimizing the drilling sequence. For the optimization, evolutionary algorithms are used and their results are verified by thermal simulation using Comsol and experimentally evaluated using a thermal imaging camera. To enhance process efficiency in terms of boreholes drilled per second, multi-spot approaches are employed using a spatial light modulator. However, as higher temperatures occur across the workpiece when using simultaneous multi-spot drilling as compared to a single-spot process, a subtle spatial distribution and sequence of the multi-spot approach has to be selected in order to limit the resulting local heat input over the processing time. Different optimization approaches based on evolutionary algorithms aid to select those drilling sequences which allow for the combination of a high efficiency of multi-spot profiles, a low-generated process temperature and a high-component quality. In particular, using a 4 x 4 laser spot array allows for the drilling of 40,000 boreholes in less than 76 s (526 boreholes/s) with a reduced temperature increase by about 35\%, as compared to a single spot process when employing an optimized drilling sequence.}, subject = {Laserbohren}, language = {en} } @article{SommerEsenHellmann2023, author = {Sommer, David and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Static and Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour of Hybrid-PBF-LB/M-Built and Hot Isostatic Pressed Lattice Structures}, series = {Mechanical Properties of Polymeric, Metallic, and Composite Materials}, volume = {16}, journal = {Mechanical Properties of Polymeric, Metallic, and Composite Materials}, number = {9}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093556}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on a comprehensive study of the mechanical properties of maraging steel body-centred cubic lattice structures fabricated by a hybrid additive manufacturing technology that combines laser powder bed fusion with in situ high-speed milling. As the mechanical properties of additive manufactured components are inferior to, e.g., cast components, surface modifications can improve the mechanical behaviour. Different hybrid additive manufacturing technologies have been designed using additive and subtractive processes, improving process quality. Following this, mechanical testing is performed with respect to static tensile properties and dynamic stress, hardness, and porosity, comparing specimens manufactured by laser powder bed fusion only to those manufactured by the hybrid approach. In addition, the influence of different heat-treatment techniques on the mechanical behaviour of the lattice structures is investigated, namely solution and aging treatment as well as hot isostatic pressing. Thus, the influence of the superior surface quality due to the hybrid approach is evaluated, leading to, e.g., an offset of about 14-16\% for the static testing of HIP lattice structures. Furthermore, the dynamic load behaviour can be improved with a finished surface, heading to a shift of the different zones of fatigue behaviour in the testing of hybrid-built specimens.}, subject = {Isostatisches Heißpressen}, language = {de} } @article{BischoffMueckeRothetal.2022, author = {Bischoff, Kay and M{\"u}cke, Dominik and Roth, Gian-Luca and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {UV-Femtosecond-Laser Structuring of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {14}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {14}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142962}, pages = {2962 -- 2962}, year = {2022}, abstract = {We report on the laser ablation of cyclic olefin copolymer using an amplified ultrashort pulsed laser in the ultraviolet spectral range. In addition to a high ablation depth per laser-structured layer up to 74 μm at a fluence of 22 J cm-2, an excellent mean roughness 𝑅𝑎 of laser-patterned surfaces down to 0.5 μm is demonstrated. Furthermore, with increasing fluence, increasing ablation efficiencies up to 2.5 mm3 W-1 min-1 are determined. Regarding the quality of the ablation, we observed steep ablation flanks and low debris formation, though for fluences above 10.5 J cm-2 the formation of troughs was observed, being attributed to multiple reflections on the ablation flanks. For comparison, laser ablation was performed under identical conditions with an infrared laser wavelength. The results highlight that UV ablation exhibits significant advantages in terms of ablation efficiency, surface roughness and quality. Moreover, our results show that a larger UV focus spot accelerates the ablation process with comparable quality, paving the way for high-power UV ultrashort pulsed lasers towards an efficient and qualitative tool for the laser machining of cyclic olefin copolymer. The production of complex microfluidics further underlines the suitability of this type of laser.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{BischoffKeferWienkeetal.2023, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Kefer, Stefan and Wienke, Alexander and Overmeyer, Ludger and Kaierle, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Integration of Bragg gratings in aerosol-jetted polymer optical waveguides for strain monitoring capabilities}, series = {Optics Letters}, volume = {48}, journal = {Optics Letters}, number = {7}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.481801}, pages = {1778 -- 1781}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We demonstrate and discuss the integration of Bragg gratings in aerosol-jetted polymer optical waveguides, produced in the optical assembly and connection technology for component-integrated bus systems (OPTAVER) process. By using a femtosecond laser and adaptive beam shaping, an elliptical focal voxel generates different types of single pulse modification by nonlinear absorption in the waveguide material, which are arranged periodically to form Bragg gratings. Integration of a single grating structure or, alternatively, an array of Bragg grating structures in the multimode waveguide yields a pronounced reflection signal with typical multimodal properties, i.e., a number of reflection peaks with non-Gaussian shapes. However, the main wavelength of reflection, located around 1555 nm, is evaluable by means of an appropriate smoothing algorithm. When loaded by mechanical bending, a pronounced Bragg wavelength shift of this reflected peak up to 160 pm is detected. This demonstrates that the additively manufactured waveguides can be used not only for signal transmission but also as a sensor.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {de} } @article{BischoffEsenHellmann2023, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Preparation of Dispersed Copper(II) Oxide Nanosuspensions as Precursor for Femtosecond Reductive Laser Sintering by High-Energy Ball Milling}, series = {Nanomaterials}, volume = {13}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, number = {19}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192693}, pages = {2693 -- 2693}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This contribution demonstrates and discusses the preparation of finely dispersed copper(II) oxide nanosuspensions as precursors for reductive laser sintering (RLS). Since the presence of agglomerates interferes with the various RLS sub-processes, fine dispersion is required, and oversized particles must be identified by a measurement methodology. Aside from the established method of scanning electron microscopy for imaging individual dried particles, this work applies the holistic and statistically more significant laser diffraction in combination with dynamic image analysis in wet dispersion. In addition to direct ultrasonic homogenization, high-energy ball milling is introduced for RLS, to produce stable nanosuspensions with a high fine fraction, and, above all, the absence of oversize particles. Whereas ultrasonic dispersion stagnates at particle sizes between 500 nm and 20 μm, even after 8 h, milled suspension contains a high proportion of finest particles with diameters below 100 nm, no agglomerates larger than 1 μm and a trimodal particle size distribution with the median at 50 nm already, after 100 min of milling. The precursor layers produced by doctor blade coating are examined for their quality by laser scanning microscopy. The surface roughness of such a dry film can be reduced from 1.26 μm to 88 nm by milling. Finally, the novel precursor is used for femtosecond RLS, to produce homogeneous, high-quality copper layers with a sheet resistance of 0.28 Ω/sq and a copper mass concentration of 94.2\%.}, subject = {Laserstrahlsintern}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BischoffEsenHellmann2023, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Acceleration of Femtosecond Reductive Laser Sintering of Copper(II) Oxide for Conductive Copper Patterns on Cyclic Olefin Copolymers}, series = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, booktitle = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on the acceleration of femtosecond reductive laser sintering of copper (II) oxide on the surface of transparent cyclic olefin copolymers (COC) by varying the focus size to generate metallic copper (Cu) layers. By using different focusing conditions, different process speeds are achieved, and the structural accuracies are controlled. The formation of Cu lines is observed for different focus sizes at various scan speeds, which is attributed to laser exposure duration and chemical reaction time. The formed lines are categorized and measured by optical microscopy and provide the basis for two-dimensional Cu surfaces. By hatching, high quality conductive films are produced with an increased focus diameter of up to 400 µm at a scan speed of 400 mm/s and a hatch distance of 250 µm resulting in a multiple increased process speed by a factor of thirteen compared to previous research. Using 4-tip measurement , a low sheet resistance of 0.165 Ω/sq was validated on these Cu films, which have an atomic Cu content of 89.5\%.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BischoffMueckeEsenetal.2023, author = {Bischoff, Kay and M{\"u}cke, Dominik and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {UV-Femtosecond-Laser Structuring of Silicon Carbide}, series = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, booktitle = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on ultraviolet ultrashort pulsed laser processing of silicon carbide. Laser ablated cavities are evaluated with respect to their ablation rates, surface roughness and overall quality by varying the laser pulse fluence. Using this type of laser, high edge quality and surface roughness down to 107 nm can be achieved with an ablation efficiency of up to 0.228 mm 3 W -1 min -1. Functional surfaces are produced by generating laser induced periodic surface structures. The comparison with infrared wavelength underlines the advantages of the ultraviolet wavelength for laser micro machining this material. Significant differences with respect to the measured ablation depths and roughness as well as generated micro-and nanostructures appear. While infrared ablation is dominated by a chipping mechanism above a critical fluence of 9.93 Jcm -2 , higher ablation rates are observed with strong quality losses at the same time. In comparison to the infrared emission wavelength, in general , a significantly higher processing quality is achieved with the ultraviolet emission wavelength. In addition, the influence of spot size and repetition rate in UV processing is investigated. By increasing these parameters, a process acceleration without quality losses is enabled. The generation of a sophisticated microstructure exemplifies the advantages of processing silicon carbide with the UV laser reported here.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{GvozdovskyyBratovaKazantsevaetal.2023, author = {Gvozdovskyy, Igor and Bratova, Daria and Kazantseva, Z. and Malyuta, S. and Lytvyn, Petro and Schwarz, Simon and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Light-controllable hybrid aligning layer based on LIPSS on sapphire surface and PVCN-F film}, series = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, volume = {387}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, number = {keine}, doi = {10.1016/j.molliq.2023.122623}, pages = {122623 -- 122623}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The creation of aligning layers for the uniform orientation of liquid crystals is significant for both research and the application of liquid crystals. For all applications, the creation of aligning layers possessing controllable characteristics such as azimuthal and polar anchoring energies, easy-axis of director alignment and pretilt angle, in the same way as it is achieved by using photoaligning layers processed by light, is very important. Here, aligning properties of hybrid aligning layers created on the basis of sapphire surfaces additionally coated by photoaligning layer of PVCN-F are studied. These hybrid layers possess the properties of the nano-structured sapphire layer and the photosensitive PVCN-F layer, and complement each other. The irradiation time dependence of the azimuthal anchoring energy of the hybrid layers is studied. By using certain experimental conditions during irradiation of hybrid layers, e.g., polarization of light and irradiation time, a minimum value of the azimuthal anchoring energy, close to zero, was obtained. Atomic force microscope studies of the irradiated hybrid layers were also carried out. It was found that the behavior of the contact angle of nematic droplets placed on treated sapphire surfaces are in good agreement with properties of hybrid aligning layers and parameters of structuring surface obtained from AFM images.}, subject = {Fl{\"u}ssigkristall}, language = {de} } @article{BischoffMueckeSchubertetal.2024, author = {Bischoff, Kay and M{\"u}cke, Dominik and Schubert, Andreas and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Rheological Investigation of Highly Filled Copper(II) Oxide Nanosuspensions to Optimize Precursor Particle Content in Reductive Laser-Sintering}, series = {Liquids}, volume = {4}, journal = {Liquids}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2673-8015}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/liquids4020019}, pages = {382 -- 392}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this article, the particle concentration of finely dispersed copper(II) oxide nanosuspensions as precursors for reductive laser sintering (RLS) is optimized on the basis of rheological investigations. For this metallization process, a smooth, homogeneous and defect-free precursor layer is a prerequisite for adherent and reproducible copper structures. The knowledge of the rheological properties of an ink is crucial for the selection of a suitable coating technology as well as for the adjustment of the ink formulation. Different dilutions of the nanosuspension were examined for their rheological behavior by recording flow curves. A strong shear thinning behavior was found and the viscosity decreases exponentially with increasing dilution. The viscoelastic behavior was investigated by a simulated doctor blade coating process using three-interval thixotropy tests. An overshoot in viscosity is observed, which decreases with increasing thinning of the precursor. As a comparison to these results, doctor blade coating of planar glass and polymer substrates was performed to prepare precursor layers for reductive laser sintering. Surface morphology measurements of the resulting coatings using laser scanning microscopy and rheological tests show that homogeneous precursor layers with constant thickness can be produced at a particle-solvent ratio of 1.33. A too-high particle content results in an irregular coating layer with deep grooves and a peak-to-valley height Sz of up to 7.8 μm. Precise dilution control allows the fabrication of smooth surfaces with a Sz down to 1.5 μm.}, subject = {Laserstrahlsintern}, language = {en} } @article{BischoffEsenHellmann2024, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Femtosecond reductive Laser Sintering under multiple focus conditions for rapid production of conductive copper layers}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {124}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2024.08.189}, pages = {629 -- 633}, year = {2024}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{SommerStockfleetHellmann2024, author = {Sommer, David and Stockfleet, Henry and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Optimization of Mechanical Properties and Evaluation of Fatigue Behavior of Selective Laser Sintered Polyamide-12 Components}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {16}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2073-4360}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym16101366}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this paper, a comprehensive study of the mechanical properties of selective laser sintered polyamide components is presented, for various different process parameters as well as environmental testing conditions. For the optimization of the static and dynamic mechanical load behavior, different process parameters, e.g., laser power, scan speed, and build temperature, were varied, defining an optimal parameter combination. First, the influence of the different process parameters was tested, leading to a constant energy density for different combinations. Due to similarities in mechanical load behavior, the energy density was identified as a decisive factor, mostly independent of the input parameters. Thus, secondly, the energy density was varied by the different parameters, exhibiting large differences for all levels of fatigue behavior. An optimal parameter combination of 18 W for the laser power and a scan speed of 2666 mm/s was determined, as a higher energy density led to the best results in static and dynamic testing. According to this, the variation in build temperature was investigated, leading to improvements in tensile strength and fatigue strength at higher build temperatures. Furthermore, different ambient temperatures during testing were evaluated, as the temperature-dependent behavior of polymers is of high importance for industrial applications. An increased ambient temperature as well as active cooling during testing was examined, having a significant impact on the high cycle fatigue regime and on the endurance limit.}, subject = {Laserstrahlsintern}, language = {en} } @article{SommerHornungEsenetal.2024, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Surface roughness optimization of hybrid PBF-LB/M-built Inconel 718 using in situ high-speed milling}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, volume = {132}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, issn = {0268-3768}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00170-024-13382-5}, pages = {1741 -- 1751}, year = {2024}, abstract = {AbstractWe report on the optimization of the surface roughness of hybrid additive manufactured Ni superalloys, combining a conventional laser powder bed fusion process with in situ high-speed milling. This remarkable hybrid approach has only recently been applied to different steel types and barely to Ni superalloys which opposite to steel appear to be challenging for milling processes, particularly within the powderbed of laser powder bed fusion. Different influencing factors on the surface roughness are varied in this study, following the Taguchi method. Their effect is evaluated with respect to the average surface roughness and the maximum surface roughness. The signal-to-noise ratio for the varied parameters infeed, z-pitch, feed rate, and spindle speed is calculated, determining their relevance on the surface roughness, and defining an optimal parameter combination. As the surface quality is optimized to \$\$\varvec{R_a=0.47\, \mu m}\$\$ R a = 0.47 μ m , the definition of the optimal parameter combination is of the highest relevance for the application of this novel manufacturing approach for Inconel. Using linear regression, the resulting surface roughness of these parameters is predicted, getting validated by the experimental evaluation. Due to a further analysis, including EDX analysis and a quantitative element analysis at different positions of the flank of the milling cutter, wear characteristics as well as the dissipation of the coating of the milling cutter are detected. The flank wear and the resulting breakage of the cutting edge are defined as the main reasons of a rising surface roughness.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SommerHornungEsenetal.2024, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Optimization of mechanical properties of additive manufactured IN 718 parts combining LPBF and in-situ high-speed milling}, series = {Laser 3D Manufacturing XI}, booktitle = {Laser 3D Manufacturing XI}, editor = {Gu, Bo and Chen, Hongqiang}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.3000952}, year = {2024}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SommerSafiEsenetal.2024, author = {Sommer, David and Safi, Abdulrahman and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Additive manufacturing of Nickel-based superalloy: optimization of surface roughness using integrated high-speed milling}, series = {Laser 3D Manufacturing XI}, booktitle = {Laser 3D Manufacturing XI}, editor = {Gu, Bo and Chen, Hongqiang}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.3000972}, year = {2024}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @article{SchleierAdelmannEsenetal.2022, author = {Schleier, Max and Adelmann, Benedikt and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Image Processing Algorithm for In Situ Monitoring Fiber Laser Remote Cutting by a High-Speed Camera}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22082863}, year = {2022}, abstract = {We present an in situ process monitoring approach for remote fiber laser cutting, which is based on evaluating images from a high-speed camera. A specifically designed image processing algorithm allows the distinction between complete and incomplete cuts by analyzing spectral and geometric information of the melt pool from the captured images of the high-speed camera. The camera-based monitoring system itself is fit to a conventional laser deflection unit for use with high-power fiber lasers, with the optical detection path being coaxially aligned to the incident laser. Without external illumination, the radiation of the melt from the process zone is recorded in the visible spectral range from the top view and spatially and temporally resolved. The melt pool size and emitted sparks are evaluated in dependence of machining parameters such as feed rate, cycles, and focus position during cutting electrical sheets.}, subject = {Laserschneiden}, language = {en} } @article{SchleierEsenHellmann2022, author = {Schleier, Max and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {High speed melt flow monitoring and development of an image processing algorithm for laser fusion cutting}, series = {Journal of Laser Applications}, volume = {34}, journal = {Journal of Laser Applications}, number = {4}, publisher = {Laser Institute of America}, issn = {1042-346X}, doi = {10.2351/7.0000785}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This contribution presents high-speed camera monitoring of melt pool dynamics for steel during laser fusion cutting and compares the images with recordings in aluminum. The experiments are performed by a 4 kW multimode fiber laser with an emission wavelength of 1070 nm. To visualize the thermal radiation from the process zone during the cutting process, the kerf is captured at sample rates of up to 170 000 frames per second without external illumination with a spectral response between 400 and 700 nm, allowing measurements of the melt flow dynamics from geometric image features. The dependencies of the melt flow dynamics on laser processing parameters, such as feed rate, gas pressure, and laser power, can be evaluated. The monitoring system is placed both off-axis and mounted to a conventional cutting head, with the monitoring path aligned to the processing laser for a coaxial and lateral view of the cut kerf. The measured signal characteristics of the images captured from the melt pool are examined in the visible spectral range of the emitted thermal radiation from the process zone. Moreover, a specifically developed image processing algorithm is developed that process and analyze the captured images and extract geometric information for a measurement of the melt flow.}, subject = {Laserschneiden}, language = {en} } @article{SchleierEsenHellmann2023, author = {Schleier, Max and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Evaluation of a Cut Interruption Algorithm for Laser Cutting Steel and Aluminum with a High-Speed Camera}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {13}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app13074557}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on a monitoring system based on a high-speed camera for fiber laser fusion cutting. The monitoring system is used without an external illumination retrofit on a conventional cutting head, with the optical path aligned coaxially to the incident laser, permitting a direct, spatially, and temporally resolved detection of the melt pool area in the cut kerf from the top view. The dependence of the melt pool area on laser processing parameters such as laser power and feed rate are thus evaluated for stainless steel, zinc-coated steel, and aluminum, respectively. The signal characteristics of the images captured from the melt pool are examined in the visible spectral range of the emitted secondary thermal radiation from the process zone. An ad hoc developed image processing algorithm analyzes the spectral and geometric information of the melt pool from high-speed camera images and distinguishes between complete and incomplete cuts.}, subject = {Laserschneiden}, language = {en} } @article{SchleierEsenHellmann2025, author = {Schleier, Max and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Vision transformer based cut interruption detection and prediction of laser fusion cutting from monitored melt pool images}, series = {Journal of Laser Applications}, volume = {37}, journal = {Journal of Laser Applications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Laser Institute of America}, issn = {1042-346X}, doi = {10.2351/7.0001611}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Incomplete cuts during laser fusion cutting result in a closed kerf, preventing the workpiece from detaching from the sheet and resulting in rework or rejection. We demonstrate the approach of a vision transformer, used for image classification, to detect cut interruption during laser fusion cutting in steel and aluminum. With events impending an incomplete cut in steel, we attempt to predict cut interruption before they even occur. To build a data set for training, cutting experiments are carried out with a 4 kW fiber laser, forcing incomplete cuts by varying the process parameters such as laser power and feed rate. The thermal radiation from the process zone during the cutting process is captured with a size of 256 × 256 px2 at sample rates of 20 × 103 fps. The kerf is recorded with a spectral sensitivity between 400 and 700 nm, without external illumination, which enables the melt to be observed in the range of the visual spectrum. The vision transformer model, which is used for image classification, splits the image into patches, linearly embedded with an added position embedding, and fed to a standard transformer encoder. For training the model, a set of images was labeled for the respective classes of a complete, incomplete, and impending incomplete cut. With the trained model, incomplete cuts in steel and aluminum can then be recognized and impending incomplete cuts in steel can be predicted in advance.}, subject = {Laserschneiden}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LutzSommerhuberKettneretal.2024, author = {Lutz, Christian and Sommerhuber, Ryan and Kettner, Matthias and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Towards process control by detecting acoustic emissions during ultrashort pulsed laser ablation of multilayer materials}, series = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, booktitle = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, editor = {Kling, Rainer and Pfleging, Wilhelm and Sugioka, Koji}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.3000954}, year = {2024}, abstract = {We report on process sensing using a membrane-free optical microphone to monitor the acoustic emission during ultrashort pulsed laser ablation of multilayer materials. The acoustic emission during ablation is used to detect material transitions, with the specific signatures allowing to create a reliable process control for identifying individual layers. The outstanding properties of membrane-free optical microphones in terms of high bandwidth and high temporal resolution are ideally qualified for characterizing an ultrashort pulsed laser process, with its properties and capabilities being presented in this contribution. In particular, for layer- and material-selective ablation of multilayer printed circuit board components, copper and polyimide layers are ablated and the material transition is detected by analyzing the acoustic signal at different frequency levels, which is a novelty in the field of ultrashort pulsed laser process sensing. The investigations show, that the optical microphone can be used to resolve both the scanning paths and ablated layers by means of interruptions in a time-resolved acoustic spectrogram. Furthermore, as a result of a higher ablation rate of polyimide compared to copper and thus the increase of the emitted acoustic energy, the material transition between copper and polyimide layers can clearly be detected. The detection of this process event can be used for process control.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LutzHelmEsenetal.2024, author = {Lutz, Christian and Helm, Jonas and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Computational optimization of borehole sequences for the reduction of heat accumulation in drilling processes using ultrashort pulse lasers}, series = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, booktitle = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, editor = {Kling, Rainer and Pfleging, Wilhelm and Sugioka, Koji}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.3000930}, year = {2024}, abstract = {We report on laser drilling of borehole arrays using a high-power ultrashort pulse laser with particular focus on reducing heat accumulation in the workpiece by optimizing the drilling sequence, particularly for highly efficient multi-spot drilling. Different optimization approaches are chosen to improve the drilling sequence, also comparing a simplex algorithm and an evolutionary algorithm. From a laser application point of view, we also compare drilling sequences using a single spot and up to 16-fold multi-spots generated by a spatial light modulator, as to accelerate the drilling process in terms of the number of drilled holes per second. To evaluate the temperatures generated during drilling of up to 40,000 holes in less than 76 seconds in stainless steel foil, temperatures are measured by a thermal imaging camera and subsequently compared to a COMSOL-based simulation for all optimized drilling sequences. With respect to an average temperature of 706 °C without optimization, a reduction by 252 °C, i.e., a reduction by nearly 36 \% based on the Celsius scale, is achieved using a 4 × 4 beam splitter and an optimized drilling sequence with a drilling rate of 526 holes per second. In addition, using a 2 × 2 beam splitter, a temperature reduction of up to 40.5 \% is achieved for a drilling process with a rate of 129 holes per second using an optimized drilling sequence.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{MarxSeefeldtHaskeetal.2025, author = {Marx, Jan and Seefeldt, Malte and Haske, Damian and Lutz, Christian and Hellmann, Ralf and Esen, Cemal and Ostendorf, Andreas}, title = {Holographic freeform micro hole processing using Bessel beams}, series = {Optics \& Laser Technology}, volume = {183}, journal = {Optics \& Laser Technology}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {0030-3992}, doi = {10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.112287}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Bessel beams are advantageous tools for micro drilling applications due to their diffraction-free properties, their long focal length, and their small focal spot diameter. However, their application in industry is limited because they are challenging to integrate into flexible beam shaping systems. This work is intended to overcome limitations in flexibility by presenting a new approach paving the way to high-aspect ratio freeform holes. Therefore, a spatial light modulator was integrated into an axicon-based setup to merge diffraction-free ablation with the flexibility of holographic spatial beam shaping. A dynamic change of the phase hologram displayed on the spatial light modulator during the process allows for the generation of arbitrary ablation geometries. In contrast to other holographic approaches, the diffraction-free nature of the Bessel beam allows ablation over an extended focal depth without any focus control needed. The applicability of the approach was demonstrated by processing arbitrary hole shapes, such as ellipses, squares, or star-shapes. The hole sizes of the freeform holes range from 4 μm to 80 μm. Furthermore, up-scaling of the process is demonstrated by using the setup for generation of multi-Bessel spots.}, subject = {Mikrobearbeitung}, language = {en} } @article{LutzJungTschirpkeetal.2022, author = {Lutz, Christian and Jung, Marcel and Tschirpke, Katrin and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Optimization of Heat Accumulation during Femtosecond Laser Drilling Borehole Matrices by Using a Simplex Algorithm}, series = {Materials}, volume = {15}, journal = {Materials}, number = {14}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {1996-1944}, doi = {10.3390/ma15144829}, year = {2022}, abstract = {We report on an optimization study of percussion drilling thin metal sheets employing a high repetition rate, high power femtosecond laser with respect to the resulting heat accumulation. A specified simplex algorithm was employed to optimize the spatial drilling sequence, whereas a simplified thermal simulation using COMSOL was validated by comparing its results to the temperature measurements using an infrared camera. Optimization for drilling borehole matrices was aspired with respect to the generated temperature across the processed specimen, while the drilling strategy was altered in its spatial drilling sequence and by using multi-spot approaches generated by a spatial light modulator. As a result, we found that an optimization strategy based on limited consecutive holes in a Moore neighborhood led to reduced temperatures and the shortest process times.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LutzSchwarzRungetal.2021, author = {Lutz, Christian and Schwarz, Simon and Rung, Stefan and Marx, Jan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Optical system for multi Bessel beam high power ultrashort pulsed laser processing using a spatial light modulator}, series = {Lasers in Manufacturing - LiM 2021}, booktitle = {Lasers in Manufacturing - LiM 2021}, year = {2021}, abstract = {We report on an optical setup for multi Bessel beam processing combining a refractive axicon and a spatial light modulator. Based on their particular beam profile, Bessel beams exhibit various advantages over conventional Gaussian beams for ultrashort pulsed laser processing. Especially for micromachining of transparent materials, applications such as micro-hole drilling or the generation of voids benefit from the increased focal length of the applied Bessel beam. In addition, on account of the significantly increased average output power of industrial ultrashort pulsed lasers over the last years, there is a high demand on multi spot applications for using the available laser power in efficient production processes. Our optical concept combines the dynamic possibilities of beam splitting using spatial light modulator with the benefits of Bessel beams facilitating multi Bessel beam processing.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{KeferSauerHessleretal.2020, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Sauer, Theresia and Hessler, Steffen and Kaloudis, Michael and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Robust Polymer Planar Bragg Grating Sensors Embedded in Commercial-Grade Composites}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {12}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {3}, doi = {10.3390/polym12030715}, pages = {715 -- 715}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This contribution demonstrates the functionality of polymer planar Bragg grating (PPBG) sensors integrated into commercial-grade carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components. Multiple CFRP specimens are generated by curing a stack of pre-impregnated fibers inside of a heated mechanical press, exposing the polymer sensor to a pressure of 7 bar and a temperature of 120 °C for 2 h. After integration, the sensor still exhibits a strong and evaluable signal. Subsequent flexural experiments reveal a linear response of the integrated sensor's Bragg wavelength to the CFRP specimen's maximum deflection. Additional findings demonstrate that the embedded PPBG can be used to detect plastic deformations of a CFRP workpiece, whereas a linear correlation of plastic deformation to the resulting Bragg signal offset is determined. A plausibility check of the obtained results is delivered by a comparison of three-point flexural experiments on bulk CFRP workpieces, without integrated sensors and additional specimens featuring external optical sensors affixed to their surface. It is found that PPBGs based on cyclic olefin copolymers are able to overcome the temperature-related limitations of traditional polymer-based optical sensors and can thus be directly integrated into commercial-grade composites during production.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferRosenbergerHessleretal.2020, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Rosenberger, Manuel and Hessler, Steffen and Girschikofsky, Maiko and Belle, Stefan and Roth, Gian-Luca and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fabrication and Applications of Polymer Planar Bragg Grating Sensors based on Cyclic Olefin Copolymers}, series = {2019 Photonics \& Electromagnetics Research Symposium - Fall (PIERS - Fall)}, booktitle = {2019 Photonics \& Electromagnetics Research Symposium - Fall (PIERS - Fall)}, publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers}, isbn = {978-1-7281-5304-9}, doi = {10.1109/PIERS-Fall48861.2019.9021801}, pages = {647 -- 655}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This contribution reviews recent advancements, current research and possible applications of polymer planar Bragg grating (PPBG) sensors with a focus on the utilization of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrates. COC-PPBGs can be handled and fabricated efficiently by employing a single writing step procedure which features simultaneous generation of waveguide and Bragg grating structure within an injection molded substrate. The resulting photonic structures exhibit an attenuation as low as 1.2 dB cm-1 and a reflectivity up to 99 \%. The potential of COC-PPBGs for high-temperature applications is proven by demonstrating temperature measurements up to 160 °C. Moreover, it is possible to employ single PPBGs for multidimensional stress and strain sensing or even three-dimensional shape reconstruction. Due to their excellent properties, it is feasible to integrate COC-PPBGs into commercial-grade carbon fiber reinforced polymer workpieces for structural health monitoring. Furthermore, utilization of appropriate coatings enables functionalization of PPBGs for refractive index sensing and thus biochemical applications. Beside the fabrication and characterization of COC-based PPBGs, this contribution exemplifies and reviews such applications.}, subject = {Optischer Sensor}, language = {en} } @article{KeferDaiYangetal.2020, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Dai, Jixiang and Yang, Minghong and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Hypersensitive H2 sensor based on polymer planar Bragg gratings coated with Pt-loaded WO3-SiO2}, series = {Optics Letters}, volume = {45}, journal = {Optics Letters}, number = {13}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.395341}, pages = {3601 -- 3604}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This letter demonstrates a novel hydrogen sensor based on a polymer planar Bragg grating coated with Pt-loaded WO3-SiO2. The reflected Bragg signal shows a distinct peak splitting correlated to substrate anisotropies originating from the injection molding process. Especially at low H2 concentrations, both sensing peaks exhibit an outstanding response to the heat generated by the exothermic reaction between hydrogen molecules and coating. Thereby, a hydrogen volume ratio of 50 ppm leads to a Bragg wavelength shift of -37 pm, which yields an outstandingly low detection limit of only 5 ppm H2 in air. Thus, functionalized polymer planar Bragg gratings are eminently suitable for H2 leak detection applications.}, subject = {Gassensor}, language = {en} } @misc{KeferDaiYangetal.2020, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Dai, Jixiang and Yang, Minghong and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Hypersensitive H2 sensor based on polymer planar Bragg gratings coated with Pt-loaded WO3-SiO2: erratum}, volume = {45}, number = {16}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.401819}, pages = {4498 -- 4498}, year = {2020}, abstract = {We present an erratum to our Letter [Opt. Lett. 45, 3601 (2020)]. Labeling errors in two figures and an incorrect sentence are revised. The corrections have no influence on the conclusions of the original Letter.}, subject = {Gassensor}, language = {en} } @article{KeferBischoffRothetal.2021, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Bischoff, Kay and Roth, Gian-Luca and Haubner, Julian and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Tunable Bulk Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings Electrified via Femtosecond Laser Reductive Sintering of CuO Nanoparticles}, series = {Advanced Optical Materials}, volume = {9}, journal = {Advanced Optical Materials}, number = {13}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202002203}, pages = {2002203 -- 2002203}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This contribution demonstrates and discusses electrically tunable polymer planar Bragg gratings based on bulk cyclic olefin copolymers. A lithographic single-writing-step method and femtosecond laser reductive sintering of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles are subsequently employed in order to generate buried photonic structures and copper conducting paths on top of the polymer substrate. This way, the necessary number of process steps for fabricating a planar polymer-based electro-optical device is greatly reduced. The response of a fully electrified grating structure follows temperature changes, induced by the copper conducting path, with sensitivities up to -31 pm K-1. Dilatometric measurements show that the specimen's behavior is correlated to the situationally reduced thermal expansion of the bulk polymer substrate. In consequence, the tuning response of the photonic platform follows a second order polynomial, whereas a direct current of 30 mA, which correlates to a power consumption of 18.3 mW, leads to a local temperature increase and a residual Bragg wavelength shift of 19.6 K and -547 pm, respectively. Moreover, the outstanding flexibility of the proposed fabrication concept is underlined by demonstrating alternative conducting path geometries, whereas one of the additional designs is adapted to control the spectral width of the Bragg grating's reflection peak.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferZettlSchmaussetal.2023, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Zettl, Julian and Schmauss, Bernhard and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {High-Precision Micromachining of Sapphire Towards Optical Waveguiding Structures using Femtosecond Lasers}, series = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVII}, booktitle = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVII}, editor = {Kling, Rainer and Pfleging, Wilhelm and Watanabe, Akira}, isbn = {9781510659230}, doi = {10.1117/12.2648758}, pages = {3 -- 11}, year = {2023}, abstract = {While sapphire is one of the most durable materials, its properties entail that high-precision machining, especially in the sub-millimeter regime, is still challenging. This contribution demonstrates and discusses novel femtosecond laser-based micromachining approaches for the fabrication of rotational-symmetric sapphire workpieces, specifically the generation of optical fibers by means of laser lathe of sapphire rods and the practical realization of windmill fibers. In addition, volume refractive index modification in planar sapphire substrates is presented to induce photonic crystal waveguides. The micromachined structures are comprehensively examined with respect to geometric fidelity, surface roughness, refractive index modification, and potential optical waveguiding properties. All micromachining approaches are done by means of frequency-doubled or frequency-tripled femtosecond laser radiation. Different laser optical setups including laser scanning head, spatial beam profilers including a spatial light modulator and axial rotatory movement of the specimen are employed for micro structuring and in-depth refractive index modifications. In particular for laser lathe, a sophisticated scanning pattern, in combination with an incremental axial rotatory movement of the specimen, allows for the precise diameter reduction of sapphire rods with 250 µm diameter to fibers with outer diameters of 25 µm. By supporting the workpiece with a V-groove fixture, multi-mode fibers with lengths up to 20 cm can be processed with an average surface roughness of 250 nm. Additionally, an adapted ablation scanning sequence enables the first practical demonstration of sapphire windmill fibers. Furthermore, using a spatial light modulator allows for the adaption of the laser propagation properties as to enable volume refractive index modifications with free-form arrangement. Hexagonal patterns of refractive index modifications surrounding a pristine waveguide core are fabricated and single-mode waveguiding at 1550 nm is verified. Finally, the possibility of integrating Bragg gratings into this photonic waveguide type is demonstrated}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @article{KeferPapeRothetal.2021, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Pape, Dominik and Roth, Gian-Luca and Hessler, Steffen and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Micromilling-assisted fabrication of monolithic polymer ridge-type waveguides with integrated photonic sensing structures}, series = {Optical Materials Express}, volume = {11}, journal = {Optical Materials Express}, number = {8}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.425778}, pages = {2389 -- 2400}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This study demonstrates and discusses a novel approach for the fabrication and rapid prototyping of monolithic photonic platforms comprising a ridge-type waveguide with integrated sensing structures. First, the bulk injection-molded cyclic olefin copolymer substrates are micromilled in order to define the physical extension of the ridge structure. Cross-sections down to 30 × 30 µm2, exhibiting a mean surface roughness of 300 nm, are achieved with this process. Subsequently, UV radiation is used to modify the ridge structure's refractive index, which leads to the formation of an optical waveguide. By employing a phase mask, it is possible to equip the photonic platform with a Bragg grating suitable for temperature measurements with a sensitivity of -5.1 pm K-1. Furthermore, an integrated Fabry-P{\´e}rot cavity, generated during the micromilling step as well, enables refractive index measurements with sensitivities up to 1154 nm RIU-1.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @misc{KeferBischoffRothetal.2021, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Bischoff, Kay and Roth, Gian-Luca and Haubner, Julian and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Tunable Bulk Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings Electrified via Femtosecond Laser Reductive Sintering of CuO Nanoparticles (Advanced Optical Materials 13/2021)}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202170048}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This cover image outlines the fabrication method of a polymer planar Bragg grating electrified via femtosecond laser reductive sintering of CuO nanoparticles (see article number 2002203 by Stefan Kefer and co-workers). Based on this sophisticated methodology, bulk cyclic olefin copolymer substrates can be equipped with integrated photonic structures comprising a waveguide as well as a Bragg grating. Its reflective characteristics can be efficiently tuned by means of the subsequently generated Cu conducting path, whereas the applied femtosecond laser process enables an almost limitless degree of freedom towards conducting path geometries.}, subject = {Femtosekundenlaser}, language = {en} } @incollection{KeferRothKaloudisetal.2021, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Roth, Frederick and Kaloudis, Michael and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Monitoring of Composite Bicycle Components using Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings}, series = {SMSI 2021 - Sensors and Instrumentation}, booktitle = {SMSI 2021 - Sensors and Instrumentation}, publisher = {AMA Service GmbH}, address = {Wunstorf, Germany}, isbn = {978-3-9819376-4-0}, doi = {10.5162/SMSI2021/B9.2}, pages = {161 -- 162}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This study demonstrates mobile load monitoring of a composite bicycle component using an application- customized polymer planar Bragg grating sensor, evaluated by a mobile interrogation unit. After a referencing procedure, the mechanical load of a seat post is monitored while cycling through a test track.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @article{KeferLimbachPapeetal.2024, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Limbach, Tobias and Pape, Natalie and Klamt, Kathrin and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Birefringence in Injection-Molded Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Substrates and Its Impact on Integrated Photonic Structures}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {16}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {2}, doi = {10.3390/polym16020168}, pages = {168 -- 168}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This contribution quantifies the birefringence within injection-molded cyclic olefin copolymer plates and discusses its impact on the mechanical properties of the plates. It also focuses on the impact of birefringence on integrated waveguides and Bragg gratings and provides fabrication guidelines for such structures. The anisotropy in all three dimensions of the workpiece is examined by means of polarimetry and a prism coupler. It is found that the birefringence is inhomogenously distributed within the workpieces, whereas the maximum birefringence not only varies locally, but also depends on the observation direction. Overall, a maximum birefringence of 10 × 10-4 is found at the plate's surface near the injection gate. The anisotropy then reduces exponentially towards the center of the workpiece and saturates at 1.8 × 10-4, in a depth of 0.4 mm. Thus, the birefringence strongly affects near-surface photonic structures. It is found that, depending on their orientation and the local birefringence of the substrate, waveguides and Bragg gratings fabricated with comparable parameters behave completely differently in terms of polarization-dependent optical attenuation, cross-sectional intensity distribution and Bragg reflection signal. For example, the support of the TM mode can vary between total loss and an optical attenuation of 0.9 dB × cm-1. In consequence, this study underlines the importance of quantifying the birefringent state of an injection-molded cyclic olefin copolymer workpiece if it is supposed to serve as a substrate for integrated photonic structures. The study furthermore demonstrates that birefringence effects can be omitted by burying the photonic structures deeper into the volume of the thermoplastic.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferPapeGriesetal.2023, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Pape, Natalie and Gries, Nikola and Roth, Gian-Luca and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Towards Pressure Sensors Based on Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings}, series = {Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XXV}, booktitle = {Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XXV}, isbn = {9781510659414}, doi = {10.1117/12.2648723}, year = {2023}, abstract = {While Bragg grating-based optical devices have shown promising performances for pressure sensing applications, their sensitivity, especially in the low-pressure regime, is unsatisfying and needs to be optimized by elaborate designs, such as cantilevers or other extrinsic mechanical transducers. This contribution demonstrates and discusses a novel concept for optical pressure sensors based on polymer planar Bragg gratings. Waveguide and Bragg grating are fabricated underneath the surface of a temperature-stable and humidity-insensitive cyclic olefin copolymer substrate by means of a femtosecond laser. Based on the employed direct-writing procedure, in combination with adaptive, in-situ beam shaping with a spatial light modulator, writing depth, i.e., location of the photonic structures within the substrate, as well as Bragg grating periodicity and positioning can be deliberately chosen. Afterwards, the polymer substrate is post-processed with a high-precision micro mill, so a diaphragm comprising the integrated photonic structures is generated. The resulting diaphragm exhibits a thickness of 300 µm and a diameter of 10 mm. Finally, the optical sensor is packaged and sealed to form an air-filled gas pocket underneath the diaphragm. Deformations of the diaphragm by external pressure changes translate to strain variations along the waveguide axis and thus perturb the Bragg grating period. This leads to changes in the grating's wavelength of main reflection, which can be evaluated in order to quantify the relative external pressure. With this straightforward optical sensor concept, pressure sensitivities up to 39 pm kPa-1, within relative pressures ranges from 78 kPa to 372 kPa, are achieved.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @article{VoigtBockHilpertetal.2022, author = {Voigt, Jorrit and Bock, Thomas and Hilpert, Uwe and Hellmann, Ralf and M{\"o}ckel, Michael}, title = {Increased relative density and characteristic melt pool Signals at the edge in PBF-LB/M}, series = {Additive Manufacturing}, volume = {2022}, journal = {Additive Manufacturing}, number = {57/102798}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2022.102798}, pages = {* -- *}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Limited process control can cause metallurgical defect formation and inhomogeneous relative density in laser powder bed fusion manufactured parts. This study shows that process monitoring, based on optical melt-pool signal analysis is capable of tracing relative density variations: Unsupervised machine learning, applied to cluster multiple-slice monitoring data, reveals characteristic patterns in this noisy time-series signal, which can be co-registered with geometrical positions in the build part. For cylindrical 15-5 PH stainless steel specimens, manufactured under constant process parameters and post-analyzed by µ-computer tomography, correlations between such patterns and an increased local relative density at the edge have been observed. Finite element method (FEM) modeling of thermal histories at exemplary positions close to the edge suggest pre-heating effects caused by neighboring laser scan trajectories as possible reasons for the increased melt pool intensity at the edge.}, subject = {Maschinelles Lernen}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferSchmaussHellmann2021, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {POLYMER PLANAR BRAGG GRATINGS BASED ON BULK CYCLIC OLEFIN COPOLYMERS: FABRICATION AND FUNCTIONALIZATION}, series = {Proceedings of Student Conference on Sensors, Systems and Measurement 2021}, booktitle = {Proceedings of Student Conference on Sensors, Systems and Measurement 2021}, isbn = {978-80-01-06822-9}, year = {2021}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferPapeSchmaussetal.2023, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Pape, Natalie and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fabrication of Lattice-Like Waveguides in Planar Cyclic Olefin Copolymers}, series = {28th International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors}, booktitle = {28th International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors}, isbn = {978-1-957171-30-2}, doi = {10.1364/OFS.2023.Th6.69}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This work demonstrates the femtosecond laser-based fabrication of lattice-like waveguides in planar cyclic olefin copolymers. An overview of the fabrication process is provided and waveguiding in the C-band is proven via optical near-field analysis.}, subject = {Wellenleiter}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KeferSchmaussHellmann2023, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Sapphire-Based Planar Bragg Grating Devices}, series = {28th International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors}, booktitle = {28th International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors}, isbn = {978-1-957171-30-2}, doi = {10.1364/OFS.2023.W2.4}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This study reports on the long-term stability and the high-temperature capability of sapphire-based photonic crystal waveguides with integrated Bragg gratings. Furthermore, their Bragg grating reflectivity as well as their temperature sensitivity is quantified.}, subject = {Bragg-Reflektor}, language = {en} } @article{YangBischoffMueckeetal.2024, author = {Yang, Yongting and Bischoff, Kay and M{\"u}cke, Dominik and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {UV-ultrashort pulsed laser ablation of fused silica}, series = {Journal of Laser Applications}, volume = {36}, journal = {Journal of Laser Applications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Laser Institute of America}, issn = {1042-346X}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2351/7.0001197}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The authors report on ultraviolet ultrashort pulsed laser ablation of fused silica and compare the achievable micromachining results to those obtained by using the fundamental emission wavelength in infrared. Ablation in ultraviolet reveals a stable efficiency for increasing fluences, whereas using an infrared beam exhibits a decreasing trend of the ablation efficiency at higher and increasing fluences. In addition, a significant improvement in the surface quality is found by using an ultraviolet wavelength in a fluence range up to 20 J/cm2 compared to infrared, e.g., revealing an Ra of down to 0.45 μm on using the ultraviolet wavelength compared to Ra = 0.56 μm on using infrared at fluences up 15 J/cm2. Moreover, taking advantage of the high available pulse energy, the authors compare the achievable ablation efficiency and surface roughness using a conventionally focused ultraviolet beam and a defocused ultraviolet beam, finding that the defocused ultraviolet beam possesses a processing quality comparable to that of the focused beam. Finally, the authors exemplify the potential of ultraviolet ultrashort pulsed laser ablation by using a Tesla mixer for microfluidic integration of fused silica.}, subject = {Laserablation}, language = {en} } @article{LutzSchwarzMarxetal.2023, author = {Lutz, Christian and Schwarz, Simon and Marx, Jan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Multi-Bessel Beams Generated by an Axicon and a Spatial Light Modulator for Drilling Applications}, series = {MDPI Photonics}, volume = {2023}, journal = {MDPI Photonics}, number = {10/413}, doi = {10.3390/photonics10040413}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on an optical setup to generate multi-Bessel beam profiles combining a refractive axicon and a spatial light modulator. Based on their particular beam profile, Bessel beams offer advantageous properties for micro drilling processes and internal volume processing, especially for transparent materials. In addition, the laser power of industrial, ultrashort pulsed lasers has increased significantly over the last few years, offering the possibility for highly efficient processes using multi-spot profiles. Our optical concept combines the dynamic possibilities of beam splitting using a spatial light modulator with the benefits of Bessel beams, which facilitates multi-Bessel beam processing. Beside the simulation and experimental evaluation of the generated multi-Bessel beams, we exemplify the applicability of the developed module for the perforation of thin metal foils by micro drilling.}, subject = {Bessel-B{\"u}ndel}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MarxEsenLutzetal.2023, author = {Marx, Jan and Esen, Cemal and Lutz, Christian and Hellmann, Ralf and Ostendorf, Andreas}, title = {Holographic tuning of physical axicons}, volume = {2023}, number = {154}, publisher = {LiM 2023 Proceedings}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Axicon generated Bessel beams are a popular tool for high aspect ratio precision laser drilling. Spot diameter and working distance are given by the geometric parameters of the axicon and the wavelength used. Thus, it is difficult to manipulate the beam shape of a Bessel beam for a given setup. Spatial light modulators (SLMs) overcome limitations in flexibility. However, due to the limited phase shift of SLMs, only Bessel beams with flat cone angles and large focal length can be generated. In this contribution, an approach for generating Bessel beams with a shorter, but tunable focal length is presented. A physical axicon was combined with an SLM. A holographic image of a negative axicon is put on the SLM to generate a ring beam, which is focused by a subsequent physical axicon to get a small focal diameter. Thus, different sized high aspect ratio micro holes can be drilled without using any moving components.}, subject = {Bessel-B{\"u}ndel}, language = {en} } @article{KeferPapeBischoffetal.2024, author = {Kefer, Stefan and Pape, Natalie and Bischoff, Kay and Schmauss, Bernhard and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Lattice-Like Waveguides With Integrated Bragg Gratings in Planar Cyclic Olefin Copolymers}, series = {Journal of Lightwave Technology}, volume = {42}, journal = {Journal of Lightwave Technology}, number = {18}, publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)}, issn = {0733-8724}, doi = {10.1109/JLT.2023.3328323}, pages = {6302 -- 6311}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This contribution demonstrates femtosecond laser direct writing of lattice-like waveguides in planar cyclic olefin copolymer substrates. Based on numerical simulation and experimental near-field analysis, stable single-mode waveguiding around wavelengths of 1550 nm is demonstrated. The waveguiding mechanism is based on a hexagonal array of laser-induced, positive refractive index modification lines. Thus, the lateral extension of the guided mode can be adapted by varying the fabrication parameters and, in consequence, the resulting cross-sectional arrangement of the refractive index perturbations. With an optical attenuationof 2.2 dB·cm-1 around 1550 nm, the fabricated waveguides are well-suited for on-chip integrated photonic devices. Moreover, the waveguides can also be equipped with Bragg gratings to enable the application of the photonic platform as a sensing device. Dependingon their length, the Bragg grating structures exhibit reflectivities ofup to 99\% and spectral widths down to 0.3 nm. The flexibility of the fabrication process and the sensing capabilities of the lattice-like waveguides with integrated Bragg gratings are underlined by an exemplary application study demonstrating a relative pressure sensor. For that, a photonic platform is micromilled to generate a 300 µm thick diaphragm and a reference pressure chamber. The strain introduced to the diaphragm by external pressure changes can then be quantified by the integrated photonic structures.This way, absolute pressure sensitivities of up to 38 pm·kPa-1 can be achieved in a relative pressure range from -60 to 100 kPa. The newly-developed lattice-like waveguides with integrated Bragggratings are therefore well-suited for the realization of novel and adaptable photonic devices and sensors.}, subject = {Wellenleiter}, language = {en} } @article{MarxLutzHellmannetal.2022, author = {Marx, Jan and Lutz, Christian and Hellmann, Ralf and Esen, Cemal}, title = {Holographic multi-spot generation for ultra-short pulse Bessel beam processing of stainless steel}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {111}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2022.08.003}, pages = {648 -- 652}, year = {2022}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LutzSchwarzMarxetal.2024, author = {Lutz, Christian and Schwarz, Simon and Marx, Jan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Combination of an axicon and a spatial light modulator for the generation of multiBessel beams for microdrilling using ultrashort pulsed laser}, series = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, booktitle = {Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XVIII}, editor = {Kling, Rainer and Pfleging, Wilhelm and Sugioka, Koji}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.3000946}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Due to their special beam profile, Bessel beams offer advantageous properties for micro-drilling and internal volume processing, especially for transparent materials. In addition, the laser power of industrial ultrashort pulsed lasers hasnincreased significantly in recent years, offering the possibility of highly efficient processes using multi-spot profiles. We report on optical simulations and an experimental optical setup for generating multi-Bessel beams by combining a refractive axicon and a spatial light modulator. This setup offers a new possibility of multi-Bessel beam generation by functional division of the Bessel beam generation by the axicon and the possibility of separation flexible beam splitting by a spatial light modulator. The beam profiles generated with this setup are analyzed and compared in this study using optical simulations and experiments. In addition to the analysis of the Bessel beams in the machining plane, they are also analyzed in the propagation direction by means of intensity distributions measured by a camera in small-step z positions. Furthermore, the experimental applicability of the module-based beam shaping system is demonstrated by integrating into an existing laser system.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{SommerHornungEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Design Guide for Hybrid-Additive Manufacturing of Inconel 718 Combining PBF-LB/M and In Situ High-Speed Milling}, series = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2504-4494}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9030088}, year = {2025}, abstract = {As the correlation between design rules and process limitations is of the upmost importance for the full exploitation of any manufacturing technology, we report a design guide for hybrid-additive manufacturing of Inconel 718. Basic limitations need to be evaluated for this particular hybrid approach that combines laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and in situ high-speed milling. Fundamental geometric limitations are examined with regard to the minimum feasible wall thickness, cylinders, overhanging structures, and chamfers. Furthermore, geometrical restrictions due to the integrated three-axis milling process with respect to inclinations, inner angles, notches, and boreholes are investigated. From these findings, we derive design guidelines for a reliable build process using this hybrid manufacturing. Additionally, a design guideline for the hybrid-additive manufacturing approach is presented, depicting a step-to-step guide for the adjustment of constructions. To demonstrate this, a powder nozzle for a direct energy deposition (DED-LB/M) process is redesigned following the previously defined guidelines. This redesign encompasses analysis of the existing component and identification of problematic areas such as flat angles, leading to a new construction that is suitable for a hybrid-additive manufacturing approach.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @article{SommerTruetschEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Truetsch, Ben and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fractographic Analysis and Fatigue Behavior of Additively Manufactured Ni-Superalloy Components with Post Processing Heat Treatment and Hot Isostatic Pressing}, series = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, volume = {27}, journal = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1438-1656}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adem.202500078}, year = {2025}, abstract = {A report is made on a study of mechanical properties and fractographic characteristics of laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M)-built Inconel 718, performing heat treatments and hot-isostatic pressing. For this, tensile components are heat-treated by different processes, as namely stress relief (SR), SR and double aging (SR + DA), and hot-isostatic pressing are conducted. For the mechanical testing, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) as well as the fatigue behavior are evaluated, examining differences in maximum load behavior, elongation, and the different regimes of fatigue. As changes in material structure can be observed, the sole SR leads to a diminished UTS, while the combination of SR + DA develops an UTS of Rm = 1277 MPa. Within the fatigue behavior, the HIP shows a very balanced material structure with an increased high cycle and very high cycle regime, as the texture gets homogenized during the heat treatment. The metallographic analysis can quantify the material changes, as the density and the hardness are improved by virtue of the heat treatments. Furthermore, the fractographic analysis shows the differences in fracture behavior, arising due to the microstructural changes, as crack initiation points, crack propagation, and forced fractures can be categorized by scanning electron microscopy.}, subject = {Rapid Prototyping, Fertigung}, language = {en} } @article{FlachsEmmerichRothetal.2019, author = {Flachs, Dennis and Emmerich, Florian and Roth, Gian-Luca and Hellmann, Ralf and Thielemann, Christiane}, title = {Laser-bonding of FEP/FEP interfaces for a flexiblemanufacturing process of ferroelectrets}, series = {Journal of Physics: Conference Series}, volume = {1407}, journal = {Journal of Physics: Conference Series}, number = {012107}, doi = {10.1088/1742-6596/1407/1/012107}, pages = {1 -- 5}, year = {2019}, abstract = {This paper presents an optimized laser-bonding process for piezoelectric energy-harvesters based on thin fluorinated-ethylene-propylene (FEP) foils, using an ultra-short-pulse(USP) laser. Due to the minimized thermal stress in the material during bonding, achieved bypulse durations of few picoseconds, we created seams down to 40μm width without generatingholes in the 12.5μm thick FEP-foils. Using a galvanometer scanning system allowed for fastbonding-speed up to several centimeters per second, making the process also suitable for largestructures and areas. The achieved bond strength of the seams under influence of shearingstress was examined using tensile testing, which showed a sufficient strength of about 25 \% of the maximum strength of an unbonded, single layer of FEP.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{HaefnerBischoffHelmetal.2023, author = {H{\"a}fner, Tom and Bischoff, Kay and Helm, Jonas and Kunz, Tim and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Picosecond laser microvia drilling of ABF material using MHz burst mode}, series = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {10}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, number = {9}, pages = {096301 -- 096311}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on a comprehensive study of laser percussion microvia drilling of Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF) material using an ultrashort pulsed laser in MHz burst mode. After laser processing, microvia drilling quality is being evaluated by the fabricated diameter and taper using laser scanning microscopy and metallography. The influences of the incubation effect, heat accumulation and shielding effects as a result of pulse to pulse interactions are being discussed on the ablation threshold, penetration depth and laser microvia drilling quality. We find that an increasing heat accumulation in MHz burst mode processing is responsible for the void formation and delamination of the insulating ABF layer. Therefore, the parameter clearance is introduced to evaluate these effects on the microvia sidewalls. For a comparable clearance, applying 2 intra-burst pulses achieves an average reduced taper of down to 19.5\% compared to single pulse mode. At the same time, a reduced laser drilling time of 16.7\% per microvia highlights the enormous potential of the MHz burst mode for laser drilling of ABF material in printed circuit board fabrication.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FranzMueckeKunzetal.2023, author = {Franz, Daniel and M{\"u}cke, Dominik and Kunz, Tim and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {UV picosecond laser drilling of ABF film material for printed circuit boards using laser burst mode and beam shaping}, series = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, booktitle = {International Congress on Applications of Lasers \& Electro-Optics (ICALEO) 2023}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report on an experimental study of laser microvia percussion drilling of Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF) material using an ultrashort pulsed laser in the ultraviolet region. In order to optimize the drilling quality in terms of the fabricated taper and microvia diameter, the MHz burst mode is used in combination with both a Gaussian and a top-hat laser intensity distribution. To evaluate the influence of the top-hat beam shape on defocusing, microvias were drilled at different z-positions in the range of 200 μm evenly distributed around the focal plane. The drilling quality was evaluated by laser scanning microscopy and metallography. When using a top-hat beam shape, a reduced taper of down to 26.8 \% on average is achieved compared to a Gaussian beam. For the application of 3 intra-burst pulses, we find an improvement of the taper by 11.6\% compared to the single pulse mode due to the increasing heat accumulation. Using a top-hat beam shape in combination with the MHz burst mode, an 18.2 \% reduction in laser drilling time for a microvia with a similar taper is remarkable, demonstrating the high potential for scaling throughput in electronics manufacturing.}, subject = {Pikosekundenbereich}, language = {en} } @article{FranzYangMicheletal.2023, author = {Franz, Daniel and Yang, Yongting and Michel, Luis and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Evaluation of an ultrashort pulsed laser robot system for flexible and large-area micromachining}, series = {Journal of Laser Applications}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of Laser Applications}, number = {4}, pages = {042057 -- 042065}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We report for the first time on the realization, characterization and application of an ultrashort pulsed laser robot system for flexible and large-area 2D and 3D laser micromachining with 6 articulated axes. To characterize the dynamic positioning of the laser beam during and after axes movement, CMOS image sensors were integrated into the beam path. A method introduced for the alignment of the optical axes allows a reduction of the deviations in laser beam positioning to less than 141.8 ± 92.9 μm within a 110° rotation range of axis 4. In addition, a high laser beam positioning repeatability of less than 102.2 μm is demonstrated over a total period of 14 h for a movement of axis 5 within a range of 0° to 90°. Initial laser cutting, laser structuring and laser marking applications on automotive dashboards and glass substrates are presented for flexible and large area 2D and 3D manufacturing. By applying a special laser cutting strategy for processing AF 32 eco thin glass, high cutting quality is achieved with a taper of up to 96.3\% without the generation of cracks, demonstrating the innovative potential of the high-precision laser robot system. Nonetheless, different identified inherent influences of each axis 1-5 during robot axis movement demand for an innovative beam stabilization concept to achieve high precision in laser beam positioning.}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FranzRothRungetal.2021, author = {Franz, Daniel and Roth, Gian-Luca and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Superimposed beam deflection using acousto-optical deflectors in combination with a galvanometer scanner}, series = {Lasers in Manufacturing - LiM 2021}, booktitle = {Lasers in Manufacturing - LiM 2021}, year = {2021}, subject = {Galvanometer}, language = {en} } @article{FranzSchusterSchwarzetal.2025, author = {Franz, Daniel and Schuster, David and Schwarz, Simon and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fabrication and analysis of through-glass vias for glass-based electronic packaging using an ultrashort pulsed laser}, series = {Optics and Lasers in Engineering}, volume = {193}, journal = {Optics and Lasers in Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {0143-8166}, doi = {10.1016/j.optlaseng.2025.109106}, year = {2025}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @article{FranzYangEsenetal.2026, author = {Franz, Daniel and Yang, Yongting and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Flexible 2D Laser Cutting of Ultra-Thin Glass Using an Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Robotic System}, series = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, volume = {21}, journal = {Journal of Laser Micro/Nanoengineering}, number = {1}, editor = {Esen, Cemal}, publisher = {Japan Laser Processing Society}, issn = {1880-0688}, doi = {10.2961/jlmn.2026.01.2004}, year = {2026}, subject = {Laserschneiden}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FranzSchusterSchwarzetal.2025, author = {Franz, Daniel and Schuster, David and Schwarz, Simon and Rung, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Ultrashort pulsed laser drilling of through-glass vias for glass core packaging}, series = {Proceedings of LAMP2025 - the 9th International Congress on Laser Advanced Materials Processing, Ise-City, Japan, June 2025}, booktitle = {Proceedings of LAMP2025 - the 9th International Congress on Laser Advanced Materials Processing, Ise-City, Japan, June 2025}, year = {2025}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SommerTruetschEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Truetsch, Ben and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Microstructural Fracture Behaviour of PBF-LB/M Inconel 718 Components within different HIP Processes}, series = {Lasers in Manufacturing, M{\"u}nchen, Juni 2025}, booktitle = {Lasers in Manufacturing, M{\"u}nchen, Juni 2025}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We report on a study of different hot isostatic pressing (HIP) cycles, improving the mechanical properties of additively manufactured Inconel 718 components. For this, PBF-LB/M built components are post-processed by different HIP sequences, as gas pressure and processing time are varied, leading to differences in microstructure and material characteristics. Static and dynamic mechanical testing are performed, evaluating the changes in mechanical properties with particular focus on the ultimate tensile strength and endurance limit. Furthermore, metallographic analysis is employed to investigate the achieved density and microhardness. Microstructural analysis, showing the grain boundaries, is used to identify generated phases and precipitations of the material matrix. Moreover, the fracture behaviour is classified by grain deformation during mechanical testing. As the HIP leads to microstructural changes of Inconel 718 components, mechanical properties can be improved significantly, enhancing the ultimate tensile strength and simultaneously the endurance limit.}, subject = {Isostatisches Heißpressen}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SommerPetersEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Peters, Maximilian and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Influence of in-situ high-speed milling within a hybrid additive manufacturing approach on the fatigue behaviour of Inconel 718 lattice structures}, series = {Lasers in Manufacturing, M{\"u}nchen, Juni 2025}, booktitle = {Lasers in Manufacturing, M{\"u}nchen, Juni 2025}, year = {2025}, abstract = {As lattice structures in various designs are used in additive manufacturing for lightweight components, the mechanical characterisation and fracture behaviour is of upmost importance for their industrial application. In this study, the fatigue behaviour of Inconel 718 lattice structures is evaluated, comparing sole PBF-LB/M to a hybrid additive manufacturing process combining PBF-LB/M with in-situ high-speed milling. At first, the static and dynamic mechanical load behaviour of different packing densities is analysed, determining the compressive strength and the endurance limit. Secondly, hybrid additive manufactured components are compared to PBF-LB/M built parts with respect to these mechanical properties, revealing improved compressive properties and modified regimes of fatigue. In addition, differences in fracture behaviour are qualified by fractographic and surface analysis. Overall, it can be summarized that the mechanical load characteristics, especially the fatigue behaviour, are improved for hybrid additively manufactured components with a superior surface quality of Ra < 1 µm.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{BischoffKeferEsenetal.2024, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Kefer, Stefan and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Towards entirely ultrashort pulsed laser based process chain to manufacture polymer lab-on-chip systems with electrical, photonic, and microfluidic functionalities}, series = {The 5th Smart Laser Processing Conference (SLPC)}, booktitle = {The 5th Smart Laser Processing Conference (SLPC)}, year = {2024}, subject = {Ultrakurzzeitlaser}, language = {de} } @article{SommerHornungEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {In situ high-speed milling and thermal post-processing for the optimization of fatigue behaviour of additive-manufactured IN718 components}, series = {Journal of Materials Research}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Materials Research}, number = {16}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, issn = {0884-2914}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-025-01656-x}, pages = {2388 -- 2401}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We report on the optimization of tensile properties and fatigue behaviour of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M)-built IN718 components employing an innovative hybrid additive-subtractive technology and various heat treatments. The hybrid approach comprises PBF-LB/M with in situ high-speed milling. Double Ageing, solution and ageing treatment, as well as Hot Isostatic Pressing are used to improve ultimate tensile strength and endurance limit. As a result, the advantages of the hybrid-machined components are clearly demonstrated by their improved mechanical properties. These enhanced properties are associated to changes in microstructure, which are identified as precipitations of IN718. Furthermore, crack initiation and crack growth for high cycle numbers as well as sudden fractures are determined.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @article{SommerTruetschEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Truetsch, Ben and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing and Sequenced Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Additive Manufactured Inconel 718 Components}, series = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2504-4494}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9110378}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We report on the effect of hot isostatic pressing combined with solution and ageing treatment in different sequences on the mechanical properties of Inconel 718 specimens, which in turn have been fabricated by a hybrid additive manufacturing approach. The latter combines conventional laser powder bed fusion and in-situ high speed milling, yielding superior surface quality as being quantified by Ra about 1 μm. In a comparative study between hybrid additively manufactured parts and those built without milling, we find that, in general, any combination of heat treatment leads to a higher ultimate tensile strength and an improved endurance limit, while, however, hot isostatic pressing affects these figures of merit most. In addition, metallographic analysis reveals increased density and hardness for hot isostatic pressed parts due to precipitation hardening. These improvements of the mechanical properties are found to be even more pronounced when the printed parts are manufactured by the hybrid additive approach, i.e., for parts with improved surface conditions.}, subject = {Isostatisches Heißpressen}, language = {en} } @article{SommerPetersEsenetal.2026, author = {Sommer, David and Peters, Maximilian and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Enhancing mechanical properties of double-periodic lattice structures using hybrid-additive manufacturing}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, volume = {142}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, number = {7-8}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, issn = {0268-3768}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-025-17373-y}, pages = {4065 -- 4071}, year = {2026}, abstract = {We report on a study of the mechanical properties of hybrid-additive manufactured Inconel 718 double-periodic lattice structures. For this, a hybrid approach, combining Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) and in-situ high-speed milling, is employed. Within this technique, the PBF-LB/M process is interrupted after several layers, as the milling process starts, enabling a machining of inlaying structures.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @article{SommerHornungEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Design Guide for Hybrid-Additive Manufacturing of Inconel 718 Combining PBF-LB/M and In Situ High-Speed Milling}, series = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2504-4494}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9030088}, year = {2025}, abstract = {As the correlation between design rules and process limitations is of the upmost importance for the full exploitation of any manufacturing technology, we report a design guide for hybrid-additive manufacturing of Inconel 718. Basic limitations need to be evaluated for this particular hybrid approach that combines laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and in situ high-speed milling. Fundamental geometric limitations are examined with regard to the minimum feasible wall thickness, cylinders, overhanging structures, and chamfers. Furthermore, geometrical restrictions due to the integrated three-axis milling process with respect to inclinations, inner angles, notches, and boreholes are investigated. From these findings, we derive design guidelines for a reliable build process using this hybrid manufacturing. Additionally, a design guideline for the hybrid-additive manufacturing approach is presented, depicting a step-to-step guide for the adjustment of constructions. To demonstrate this, a powder nozzle for a direct energy deposition (DED-LB/M) process is redesigned following the previously defined guidelines. This redesign encompasses analysis of the existing component and identification of problematic areas such as flat angles, leading to a new construction that is suitable for a hybrid-additive manufacturing approach.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} } @article{SommerHellmann2025, author = {Sommer, David and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {On the Impact of Process Parameters and Ambient Temperature on Tensile Strength and Fatigue Behaviour of SLS-Built Polyamide-12}, series = {Key Engineering Materials}, volume = {1019}, journal = {Key Engineering Materials}, publisher = {Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.}, issn = {1662-9795}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.4028/p-F0XrgQ}, pages = {31 -- 36}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We report on a comprehensive study of tensile strength and fatigue behaviour depending on process parameters and ambient temperature. For this, Polyamide-12 components are fabricated using Selective Laser Sintering. Firstly, different process parameters like, e.g, scan-speed, laser power, and applied energy density are varied. Secondly, the ambient temperature during testing is varied, evaluating the impact of decreased, respectively increased test temperatures on the characteristics of the Polyamide-12 components. For all components, the static and dynamic mechanical load behaviour is investigated, quantifying the changes in the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and the endurance limit. As the applied energy density transpires as a decisive parameter, a variation leads to significant changes in UTS and endurance limit, whereas an adjustment of scan-speed and laser power at a constant energy density do not affect the mechanical properties. Finally, the ambient temperature during testing is evaluated, demonstrating different ambient application conditions. The impact of an active cooling of the component as well as increased temperatures on the mechanical behaviour is tested, providing fundamental findings on the operating life of Polyamide-12 components.}, subject = {Selektives Laserstrahlsintern}, language = {en} } @article{BischoffEsenHellmann2024, author = {Bischoff, Kay and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Femtosecond reductive Laser Sintering under multiple focus conditions for rapid production of conductive copper layers}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {124}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, number = {124}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2024.08.189}, pages = {629 -- 633}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Reductive laser sintering is an advantageous alternative to conventional precious metal- or mask-based processes for the electrification of polymers and has been demonstrated in a variety of sensor applications. Ultrashort pulsed lasers promise precise control of the energy applied during sintering and ablation. Besides fine tracks, microelectronic circuits include wide contact pads, which leads to time-consuming processing with small laser spot sizes. The use of larger focal diameters, which results in wider lines and thus a higher metallization rate, is accompanied by a loss of structure resolution. We show the influence of focusing on the femtosecond reductive laser sintering of copper(II) oxide on cyclic olefin copolymers. While small focus diameters down to 23 µm provide high accuracy, increasing the laser power and the focus diameter up to 400 µm significantly accelerates the process, first by enlarging the line width and second by increasing the scanning speed due to the exposure time. Two-dimensional copper electrodes for 23 µm and 200 µm focal diameters were generated by hatching individual lines and compared with respect to their morphology. The enlarged spot can be used for high-speed generation of electrodes with a surface conductivity of 117 mΩ/sq. Hybrid processes with production under combined focusing conditions are presented for the first time.}, subject = {Laserstrahlsintern}, language = {en} } @article{SommerTruetschEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Truetsch, Ben and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Fractographic Analysis and Fatigue Behavior of Additively Manufactured Ni-Superalloy Components with Post Processing Heat Treatment and Hot Isostatic Pressing}, series = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, volume = {27}, journal = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1438-1656}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202500078}, year = {2025}, abstract = {A report is made on a study of mechanical properties and fractographic characteristics of laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M)-built Inconel 718, performing heat treatments and hot-isostatic pressing. For this, tensile components are heat-treated by different processes, as namely stress relief (SR), SR and double aging (SR + DA), and hot-isostatic pressing are conducted. For the mechanical testing, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) as well as the fatigue behavior are evaluated, examining differences in maximum load behavior, elongation, and the different regimes of fatigue. As changes in material structure can be observed, the sole SR leads to a diminished UTS, while the combination of SR + DA develops an UTS of R m  = 1277 MPa. Within the fatigue behavior, the HIP shows a very balanced material structure with an increased high cycle and very high cycle regime, as the texture gets homogenized during the heat treatment. The metallographic analysis can quantify the material changes, as the density and the hardness are improved by virtue of the heat treatments. Furthermore, the fractographic analysis shows the differences in fracture behavior, arising due to the microstructural changes, as crack initiation points, crack propagation, and forced fractures can be categorized by scanning electron microscopy.}, subject = {Nickellegierung}, language = {en} } @article{SommerHornungEsenetal.2025, author = {Sommer, David and Hornung, Simon and Esen, Cemal and Hellmann, Ralf}, title = {Evaluation of the Impact of Heat Treatment Processes and Surface Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of PBF-LB/M-Built Inconel 718 Components}, series = {Materials Science Forum}, volume = {1155}, journal = {Materials Science Forum}, publisher = {Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.}, issn = {1662-9752}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.4028/p-9gR9cI}, pages = {11 -- 17}, year = {2025}, abstract = {A study of the mechanical properties of hybrid additive manufactured IN718 components is presented, optimising mechanical properties due to an in-situ high-speed milling and different heat treatment processes. At first, the impact of different heat treatment processes is investigated, as the changes in microstructure during the process lead to different mechanical properties. Static and dynamic mechanical load behaviour is tested, quantifying microstructural changes by means of the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and the endurance limit. Furthermore, sole PBF-LB/M- and hybrid built components are compared, investigating the effect of a surface finish on the static and dynamic load behaviour, as superficial cracks and melting errors diminish the UTS and the endurance limit of PBF-LB/M-built components. Within these experiments, a change of fatigue behaviour for the heat-treatedstates can be observed, compared to the as-built state of the PBF-LB/M, as the development of different phases during heat treatment leads to an improvement of the endurance limit for, e.g., solution and ageing treated components. Additionally, the improvement of the surface quality to Ra = 2 µm leads to a significant increase of the dynamic mechanical load behaviour of hybrid-built components, as superficial cracks and surface defects are reduced.}, subject = {Hochgeschwindigkeitsfr{\"a}sen}, language = {en} }