In industrial laser micromachining, achieving both outstanding process quality and high productivity remains a constant challenge. The complex interplay between scan speed, repetition rate, and pulse energy makes it difficult to maintain stable processing conditions throughout an operation—especially during acceleration and deceleration phases of motion systems.

To overcome these limitations, FemtoTrig® was developed. Integrated into selected Amplitude femtosecond lasers, this advanced technology enables intelligent synchronization between the laser and the scanning system, ensuring precise control of both pulse timing and energy. The result is exceptional accuracy, consistent process quality, and significantly improved industrial performance.

More than a simple pulse-on-demand feature, FemtoTrig® introduces a new approach to laser process control, where each pulse is delivered at the right time, in the right place, and with the right energy. This level of control not only enhances precision and repeatability, but also reduces processing time and lowers cost per part.

FemtoTrig® at a Glance

FemtoTrig is an advanced option available on selected Amplitude femtosecond lasers. It enables high-precision pulse triggering, akin to the supersync feature, while providing enhanced control over the energy of extracted pulses under specific conditions.

Optimizing Processes

A combination of both fluence & overlap defines the quality of a process.

Fluence (in J/cm²)

Represents the energy delivered per unit area, linked to spot size and energy distribution. In femtosecond laser processing, the ablation threshold is typically below 1 J/cm², with optimal working fluences between 3 and 8 J/cm²—several times the ablation threshold.

Overlap (in %)

Defines how much each laser spot overlaps with the previous and next one. Overlap is determined by the laser’s repetition rate and the scanning speed (or displacement speed when using stages). In the femtosecond regime, a typical overlap ranges between 70% and 80% (for single-pulse operations).

Energy & repetition rates define the average power of the laser required for the process.

Spot size and scanning speed determine the equipment specifications: such as focal length for F-theta lens and the type of scanner to be used (a standard scanner for speeds up to 6 m/s, a high-end scanner for speeds up to 12 m/s, or even a polygon scanner for scan speeds exceeding 100 m/s).

A top-quality process is one where all process conditions are maintained consistently throughout the operation. Since the energy per pulse typically decreases as the repetition rate increases for all USP (ultrashort pulse) lasers (see Fig. 2), achieving constant top-quality results requires keeping ALL parameters (energy, repetition rate, and scan speed) constant during the job.

However, beam displacement over the workpiece is always linked to mechanical displacement, either through a stage or a galvanometer scanner. In industrial applications, the highest possible throughput is generally preferred, which means operating at the maximum compatible beam displacement speed.

While stages and scanners can maintain constant speeds for straight paths or long runs, they inevitably need to accelerate from their initial position, decelerate, and brake for example, at the beginning of a job, before stopping or when following curved trajectories (see Fig. 3). These phases include acceleration, steady motion, and braking.

If the laser operates independently of the scanning system, its repetition rate remains constant during all phases. This mismatch leads to a degraded process quality during acceleration and braking periods (see Fig 5).

To overcome this problem and optimize scanner usage time, the solution is to synchronize laser repetition rate with scanning speed. In this setup, the laser operates in follower mode, triggered by the scanner or stage controller. Pulses are delivered on demand, each time the laser receives a TTL signal from the control board. This synchronization ensures that the overlap remains constant, even during acceleration and braking phases. This is precisely what FemtoTrig does.

However, as shown in Fig. 2, changing the repetition rate also affects the pulse energy. As energy directly determines the fluence, any variation can impact process quality and homogeneity. FemtoTrig solves this by also managing the energy level, keeping it constant over the entire repetition rate range.

In the example shown below in Fig 5, the scan speed continuously changes form 3m/s on straight sections down to 1 m/s in corners. To maintain a constant overlap, FemtoTrig adjusts the repetition rate from 500 kHz down to 150 kHz in real time.

As the TTL signal from the scanner (or stage) directly controls the laser’s pulse picker, the temporal accuracy of each delivered pulse is better than 1/oscillator frequency (<25 ns). This results in unrivaled spatial precision (spot / hole accuracy), especially in matrix drilling applications. Indeed, even at a scan speed as high as 10 m/s, the position accuracy on the hole center is better than +/-0,12 µm from line to line (<1% of the hole diameter for a 30 µm hole).

We have seen that the FemtoTrig function is able to fire pulses on demand, particularly when triggered by a scanner or stage control board. However, as we have seen in Fig. 2, when the pulse repetition rate changes, the pulse energy (and therefore the fluence) typically changes too, which can negatively affect the process quality. FemtoTrig addresses this intelligently by locking the pulse energy at a constant level, specifically at the energy corresponding to the highest repetition rate – for example, the energy used during straight-line scanning. This ensures consistent process conditions, even when the scanning speed varies.

In the example below, the energy level @ 500 kHz (corresponding to straight-line conditions) is 100 µJ.

When using a simple Pulse on Demand (POD) function, reducing the repetition down to 150 kHz causes the pulse energy to increase significantly – up to 350µJ per pulse. This leads to strong process degradation, as the fluence dramatically rises when the energy increases. FemtoTrig solves this by not only enabling precise and continuous adjustment of the repetition from 500 kHz down to 150 kHz, but also by keeping the pulse energy constant at 100µJ throughout the sweep. With FemtoTrig, the energy remains unchanged during the entire process, regardless of the repetition rate.

In short, FemtoTrig is much more than a standard POD function – it provides an accurate and adaptable repetition rate control at constant energy, ensuring the process remains stable, optimized for quality, and maximized for throughput.

Accuracy with FemtoTrig

With FemtoTrig, the scanner board directly drives the laser’s pulse picker via a TTL signal. The pulse picker can select individual pulses within a 40 MHz oscillator pulse train. Its temporal accuracy is, in the worst case, limited to 1/40MHz = 25 ns. By using FemtoTrig, you can therefore achieve process timing accuracy down to 25ns. This temporal accuracy translated directly into position accuracy thanks to the displacement speed. For example, at 10 m/s (which is a very high speed for most industrial processes) 25ns corresponds to 0,25 µm positional accuracy (or +/-0,125 µm). The lower the repetition rate, the better the spatial accuracy becomes.

Can the same accuracy be achieved using an Acousto-Optic Modulator (AOM)?

As previously explained, FemtoTrig operates the laser in follower mode, where the scanner directly controls the pulse picker to deliver pulses on demand. The pulse picker is an ultrafast device capable of selecting individual pulses at the oscillator frequency. In contrast, an AOM is significantly slower and typically operates at 1MHz or less. This means its temporal resolution is, at best, 1/1MHz =1µs – which is 40 times less precise than FemtoTrig. Fig. 9 clearly illustrates this difference.

• FemtoTrig provides a quasi-continuous and very smooth frequency sweep, perfectly synchronized with the scanner’s motion.
• AOM-based control allows only a few discrete frequency values (typically three), leading to much lower process precision.

Throughput Improvement

FemtoTrig enables you to maximize scanner operating time. With traditional methods, you often need to skip the acceleration and braking phases, which, depending on the process, can represent up to 50% of the scanner’s motion time.

With FemtoTrig, you can process continuously, including acceleration and deceleration, without compromising quality.

Let’s consider the following example (Fig.10): The laser trajectory is a 150 mm x 70 mm rectangle.

With FemtoTrig, the laser is locked onto the scanner board, and FemtoTrig automatically manages the laser repetition rate according to the scan speed. This means that braking and acceleration phases are no longer wasted time – they become part of the effective processed time. The time required to make a single round trip will be 139 ms.

In the example of the 150 mm × 70 mm rectangle (Fig. 10):

With FemtoTrig, a single round trip takes 139 ms, with all trajectory phases—straight lines and corners—fully processed at constant quality.

Without FemtoTrig, to maintain constant overlap, you would need to:

• Switch the laser OFF when entering the braking or acceleration phases,
• Wait for the scanner to reach its minimum speed for corners (1 m/s),
• Switch the laser back ON once stabilized.

In this case, only the sections at 5 m/s and 1 m/s are useful for processing, and the transition phases are lost time.

As a result, the same round trip would take 195 ms without FemtoTrig—that’s 30% longer.

Summary

• Temporal precision: (<25 ns)
• Spatial accuracy: (< 0,2 µm @ 10 m/s scan speed)
• Unrivaled process quality: Synchronizes repetition rate and delivers energy with scanning speed, locking process parameters for optimum results
• Maximized equipment efficiency: Optimizes the effective use of a galvanometer or motion stage
• Reduced processing costs: Cuts process time by over 30%, leading to a cost reduction of more than 24% per processed part.

The post Why FemtoTrig® is a Game changer for Accuracy & Reduces Costs appeared first on Amplitude.

When it comes to industrial femtosecond laser applications, every detail matters. From processing speed to precision and cost efficiency, choosing the right laser can define the success of your operation. At Amplitude, we are proud to deliver one of the broadest and most advanced ranges of high-power femtosecond lasers on the market, including the Satsuma X, Tangor, and Axis. These systems are engineered to provide unmatched performance in demanding applications such as texturing, cutting, and advanced material processing.

One critical factor influencing results is the spectrum width of femtosecond lasers, which directly affects both the field of view and the quality of the process. Amplitude lasers are designed to strike the perfect balance—short pulse durations combined with a narrow spectrum—giving users consistent performance across wide scanning fields.

Spectrum & femtosecond pulses

Femtosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of light, with their duration (typically 400–500 fs in Amplitude lasers) closely tied to spectrum width. A fundamental principle applies: shorter pulse durations result in broader spectra. This relationship is a fundamental result of the Fourier Transform. While both parameters are important, no laser can simultaneously achieve the narrowest spectrum and the shortest pulse—there is always a trade-off.

• Narrow spectrum is advantageous, even mandatory, for some applications such as harmonic generation.
• Shorter pulses are crucial in other cases where energy transfer efficiency is key.

Amplitude bridges this trade-off with lasers that achieve pulse widths shorter than 500 fs AND spectrum widths narrower than 2.5 nm (IR range)—delivering both performance and versatility.

The Advantage of a Narrow Spectrum

Using simulation data, we compared an Amplitude laser (spectrum width 2.5 nm, pulse width < 500 fs) with a competitor’s system (spectrum width 10 nm, pulse width < 350 fs). Both were modelled using a standard Jenar™ F-Theta scanning lens (f = 255 mm, Fig. 1), and the calculations were performed using Zeemax software.

The results are striking

• Beam diameter stability : At the lens center, both lasers deliver similar spot sizes. But as the beam moves off-axis, the difference becomes clear. A broad spectrum beam grows up to 30% larger across X and 40% larger across Y at ±80 mm, while Amplitude’s narrow spectrum beam remains stable.

• Peak power retention : Peak power degrades rapidly with a broad spectrum—by 60–70% at ±80 mm from the lens center. In contrast, Amplitude lasers maintain nearly constant peak power across the entire field of view.

Fig 1 : Specifications of the Jenar™ F-Theta scanning lens (f = 255 mm) used for simulation.

The computed 3D layout of the simulation model is shown in Fig. 2, where the scanner is represented by two mirrors displacing the beam along the X and Y axes. This setup illustrates how the beam is steered across the processing field.

Fig 2: 3D optical layout of the simulation model, showing scanner mirrors displacing the beam along X and Y axes.

We then calculated the peak power for both spectrum widths (2.5 nm and 10 nm) across the X and Y axes over the full scan field, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This comparison highlights how spectrum width impacts beam consistency across the entire field of view.

Fig 3: Displacement of the beam along X and Y up to the limit of the scan field

Focus plane

In most applications, the process is carried out in the focal plane of the F-Theta lens. For this model, the lens provides a working distance of 291 mm. Since the focal position can in principle be influenced by spectrum width, we calculated the working distance across the entire scan field for both spectra. The result was identical in both cases: 291.62 mm.

Beam diameter in the focal plane for both spectrum width

At the center of the F-Theta lens (X = Y = 0), there is no difference in spot size between a narrow or broad spectrum beam, as shown in Fig. 4. However, once the process requires moving off-axis by ±20 mm or more, the gap becomes clear: with a broad spectrum beam, the spot size increases significantly—up to 30% larger across X and 40% larger across Y at ±80 mm from the lens center. Over a 160 × 160 mm field, the broad spectrum beam is strongly affected by off-axis distance, while the narrow spectrum beam remains nearly constant. This demonstrates how Amplitude’s narrow spectrum design ensures stable precision across wide fields of view.

Fig 4: Beam diameter (µm) versus off-axis distance (mm) for narrow spectrum (2.5 nm) and broad spectrum (10 nm) beams.

The effect on peak power ( Energy/Spot surface ) is even more striking. As shown in Fig. 5, a broad spectrum beam suffers dramatic losses as soon as it moves away from the lens axis: at ±80 mm, the peak power drops by 60–70% compared to the center. In contrast, Amplitude’s narrow spectrum beam maintains nearly constant peak power across the same field. This stability translates directly into more reliable, higher-quality processing.

Fig 5: Peak power change versus distance from the F-Theta lens center for narrow spectrum (2.5 nm) and broad spectrum (10 nm) beams

In practice, a displacement of ±20 mm from the center may still be acceptable for broad spectrum lasers, as the impact on peak power is modest. But beyond that, spectrum width becomes a critical limitation. To achieve both process quality and large scan fields with a broad spectrum laser, users must often resort to costly solutions such as synchronizing galvos and stages to create an “infinite field.” By contrast, Amplitude’s narrow spectrum (< 2.5 nm) lasers, such as the Satsuma X and Tangor family, deliver quasi-constant spot size and peak power across ±80 mm, eliminating the need for such complex setups.

What This Means for Industrial Applications

For manufacturers, this translates into real, measurable benefits:

• Consistent processing across a wide field of view – no drop in quality as you move off-axis.
• Capability to process larger parts or multiple smaller parts simultaneously – without sacrificing peak power.
• Reduced need for expensive motion solutions – no need to combine galvos and stages to extend the scan field.
• Improved process reliability – fewer aberrations and higher repeatability.

In short, narrow spectrum lasers from Amplitude unlock higher efficiency and lower operational costs, especially for applications requiring extended scan fields.

Why Choose Amplitude?

With solutions like the Satsuma X and Tangor family, Amplitude provides high-power femtosecond lasers that combine short pulse durations with narrow spectrum widths—ensuring optimal performance for a wide range of industrial processes.

By choosing Amplitude, you are choosing:

• Stability and consistency across your entire processing field
• Flexibility to scale from small, detailed parts to larger components
• Proven laser technology trusted by industry leaders worldwide

Final Takeaway

A broad spectrum may seem attractive at first glance, but when it comes to processing quality, cost efficiency, and scalability, the advantages of Amplitude’s narrow spectrum, high-power femtosecond lasers are clear. By combining short pulse durations with a narrow spectrum width, systems like the Satsuma X and Tangor family deliver unmatched stability and performance across extended fields of view.

Summary

• Reduced aberration through the flat field lens – Narrow spectrum maintains a consistent spot size, whereas a broad-spectrum beam can see up to 60%+ enlargement at ±80 mm from the lens center.

• Extended field of view with minimal peak power loss – Narrow spectrum maintains power across the scan field, while broad-spectrum beams can experience up to 60–70% peak power degradation at ±80 mm off-axis.

• Process larger parts or multiple small parts simultaneously – Peak power remains stable across the full ±80 mm scan field.

• Avoid expensive galvo-stage combinations – Large scan fields can be processed without adding costly mechanical systems, even with high-quality results.

The post Impact of spectrum width on the field of view appeared first on Amplitude.

We invite you to read this article Electro-optical control of polarization in femtosecond-laser written waveguides using an embedded liquid crystal cell

This scientific publication introduces a NOVEL APPROACH to embedding adjustable waveplates into FLDW optical circuits. It achieves this by incorporating a layer of liquid crystal into the waveguide. Control over the liquid crystal’s orientation via applied voltage induces bias-dependent phase retardation, effectively acting as a voltage-dependent waveplate.

Sketch of the inscription setup (/2 – half-wave plate, Pol.- polarizer, SHG – non-linear crystal for second harmonic generation).@Kim Lammers, Alessandro Alberucci, Chandroth P. Jisha, Alexander Szameit, and Stefan Nolte, “Electro-optical control of polarization in femtosecond-laser written waveguides using an embedded liquid crystal cell,” Opt. Mater. Express 14, 836-846 (2024)

The post Electro-optical control of polarization in femtosecond-laser written waveguides using an embedded liquid crystal cell appeared first on Amplitude.

« A recent battery manufacturing project—affectionately called BatMan—has developed a novel laser patterning process to microstructure of battery electrode materials. Funded by DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office, this project brings together expert minds from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Clarios, Amplitude Laser, and Liminal Insights. This revolutionized manufacturing process could unlock significant improvements to electrified transportation, leading the charge toward a brighter and more sustainable future. (…) Researchers used an Amplitude Laser femtosecond laser system with high-speed galvanometer-controlled scanning optics for the laser ablation, working closely with the Amplitude team to achieve precise control of the laser based on position, power, frequency, and number of pulses. NREL researchers led by Donal Finegan fine-tuned those parameters to optimize the process.

“Our collaboration with NREL helped integrate the laser into their existing research capabilities to support the BatMan project goals,” said Quentin Mocaer. “We also received valuable insights into how future system designs and new technologies could further improve this process at an industrial scale.”
Writes Rebecca Martineau, Feb 13th, 2024 for her article “Unleashing the Power: BatMan Project Revolutionizes Battery Manufacturing”

@Illustration-by-Alfred-Hicks

Results in brief:

The team National Renewable Energy Laboratory researcher Nathan Dunlap has demonstrated superior FAST-CHARGE PERFORMANCE with nearly 100% more capacity after 800 cycles for electrodes patterned with our lasers. It also shows great improvement in wetting time, beneficiating from channels allowing better Li ions propagation.

Cost-analysis simulations using the Battery Performance and Cost Model indicate industrial adoption would require minimal capital and operational investment, resulting in only ≈ 1-2 $/kWh for a 50 MWh factory. As commercially available, industrial, ultrafast lasers approach the 1 kW average power threshold, there is interest in realizing the above-described benefits to LIB performance in high-throughput electrode manufacturing lines.

About Amplitude
Amplitude designs femtosecond laser solutions to support our customer’s projects, from the simplest to the most complex, from the moment the idea is in mind through to implementation and beyond.​ Amplitude is committed to technological excellence in laser technology, positively impacting our future in matters of health, science, and industry.​ As agile experts, we bring the widest range of technologies to bear on niche needs, don’t hesitate to contact us !

The post Amplitude and NREL’s Precision Laser Strategy to Enhance Battery Performance appeared first on Amplitude.

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming Photonics and Laser Innovations (PLI) Conference 2024, taking place in the picturesque city of Bordeaux on June 18-19, 2024! Organized by CLP Laser, this conference promises to be a groundbreaking event in the field of laser technology and photonics.

Join us for two days of insightful discussions, cutting-edge presentations, and networking opportunities with experts from around the globe. The PLI Conference 2024 will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering the latest advancements in laser applications, photonics research, and industrial innovations.

 Key Highlights:
Date: June 18-19, 2024
Location: Bordeaux, France
Organizer: Club Laser et Procédés
Partners: ALPhANOV ALPHA-RLH, le pôle français des ondes de l’innovation, LASEA and Amplitude Laser

Explore the Future of Photonics:

• Discover the latest trends in laser technology.
• Engage with leading experts and researchers.
• Network with professionals shaping the future of photonics.

Stay Connected: Stay tuned for updates, speaker announcements, and program details by following our LinkedIn page and using the hashtag #PLIConference2024. Let’s create a vibrant community of innovators and thought leaders in the field of photonics!

Mark your calendars and join us in Bordeaux for an unforgettable experience at the PLI Conference 2024. Together, let’s illuminate the future of laser technology!

The post SAVE THE DATE: PLI Conference 24 in Bordeaux ! appeared first on Amplitude.

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The post New article about Femtosecond Laser GHz-Burst Drilling of Glasses appeared first on Amplitude.

Schematic of the experimental setup including a side-view imaging system. Credit: International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2022). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/acaa14

Publishing in the journal International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, the research team used a femtosecond laser from Amplitude operating in the GHz-burst regime to study a new glass micromachining method which allows for drilling taper-free, elongated holes with smooth inner walls without any cracks in the glass. Usually, laser drilling with standard single femtosecond pulses results in tapered holes of strongly limited length and rough inner surface.

This new laser-matter interaction regime makes it possible to directly drill holes of high aspect ratio in one single step without any chemical etching. The choice of the laser-burst parameters was revealed to be very important in order to achieve an outstanding micromachining quality of the machined structures. The femtosecond laser GHz-burst mode could pave the way for new applications such as microelectronics where silicon interposers are likely to be replaced by glass interposers.

Article “Exploring a new glass micro-drilling method using a femtosecond laser in GHz-burst mode” provided by International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, 29 December 2022

The post A new glass micromachining method appeared first on Amplitude.

First, Amplitude has signed a partnership with Aivancity

“This partnership between Amplitude and Aivancity represents an opportunity to break down barriers, on one hand, for having a better understand of AI and its potential applied to lasers, and, on the other hand, for recruiting the talents of tomorrow” explains Pierre-Mary Paul VP Director Large Projects at Amplitude

And, Pierre Constant, Data Manager at Amplitude, working closely with CATIE – Centre néo-Aquitain des Technologies de l’Information et Electroniques – is making a presentation about “after sales service” data improvements thanks to Natural Language Processing – NLP. This presentation will be live on Youtube on 10 Feb at 10 a.m. CEST, at Dataquitaine event.

For attending, please subscribe here 👉 https://www.dataquitaine.com/2022/inscription

The post Amplitude involved in AI appeared first on Amplitude.

About Laser Optronic S.r.l. :

👉🏻Founded in 1975, specialized in the supply of laser sources, systems, and instrumentation in the field of photonics, optical components, mechanics, and precision automation.

👉🏻Two offices in Milan (headquarters) and Rome

The post Amplitude Signs a Partnership With Laser Optronic in Italy appeared first on Amplitude.

More interactions with Amplitude Laser from 18 to 20 October 2021 > Live chat with our American colleagues Yuliya Podobna, Neal Montgomery, and Brad DeBok

More about ICALEO >  World’s Premier Platform for Breakthrough Laser Solutions ICALEO® brings together the leaders and experts in the field of laser material interaction

📌 For attending this edition (virtual) and getting the latest in laser industry research SUBSCRIPTION HERE 

The post Amplitude Talks at ICALEO 2021 appeared first on Amplitude.