Introduction to Laser Micromachining

This lecture introduces laser micromachining, covering various applications such as surface hardening, 3D nanoprinting, cutting, and additive manufacturing. It explores laser-matter interaction, the smallest lattice in the world, and the concept of photons. The lecture delves into the characteristics of laser beams, Gaussian beams, and the process of laser micro-machining. It discusses single and multi-photon processes, non-linear absorption, and femtosecond laser applications. The lecture also touches on sub-wavelength patterning, time scales in laser ablation, and 3D machining in glass with femtosecond lasers.