DOE OSTI · 3013317
A review of laser materials processing paradigms
Abstract
Laser-based processing of materials has progressed from traditional applications such as macroscale cutting and welding, to sophisticated techniques, including ultrafast micromachining, additive manufacturing, and surface engineering at micro- and nano-metric scales. Innovations in laser source technology, particularly the advent of high-power and ultrashort-pulse lasers, have expanded the range of processable materials, enabled a plethora of manufacturing applications, and propelled groundbreaking research in optics, photonics, electronics, and biomedical domains. In this article, we provide a concise, yet broad review of the congruent evolution of lasers and materials processing, and highlight seminal developments in the field over the years, combined with a critical assessment of the state of the art. Finally, we also provide an outlook on emerging needs, as well as a roadmap of anticipated developments in laser technologies and materials platforms over the next 50 years.
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Tumkur, Thejaswi Umanath [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000203553423), Li, Runxuan [University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)], Korakis, Vasileios [University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)], Lantzsch, Tim [Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen (Germany)], Willenborg, Edgar [Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen (Germany)], Vedder, Christian [Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen (Germany)], Laurence, Ted A. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Beach, Raymond J. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Häfner, Constantin [Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen (Germany)], Grigoropoulos, Costas P. [University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)], Matthews, Manyalibo J. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]. 2025-12-24. A review of laser materials processing paradigms. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-025-01021-7
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