Laser processing

Digitalized laser-based manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important. In this field we are working on the laser-based processing of glass.

We are manufacturing miniaturized optical components directly from the glass block. Based on a CAD model, 3D structures and components are produced using a novel laser process. To ensure the finished components have the required optical surface qualities, additional laser polishing processes are developed at the institute.

Selective Laser Etching

By using an ultra-short pulse laser, we can produce 3D structures in glass by combining laser pretreatment and wet chemical etching.

Optical Waveguides

Ultra short pulse lasers are also used to write single mode waveguides directly into the glass. This enables the 3D guidance of light in bulk glass.

Laser Polishing

Smooth surfaces are crucial for optical surfaces. We use a CO₂ laser to smooth rough glass surfaces.

References

Publications

Bischof, David; Kahl, Michael; Michler, Markus (2021): Laser-assisted etching of borosilicate glass in potassium hydroxide. In Opt. Mater. Express 11 (4), p. 1185. DOI: 10.1364/OME.417871.
Widmer, Remo N.; Bischof, David; Jurczyk, Jakub; Michler, Markus; Schwiedrzik, Jakob; Michler, Johann (2021): Smooth or not: Robust fused silica micro-components by femtosecond-laser-assisted etching. In Materials & Design 204, p. 109670. DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109670.
Bischof, David; Roth, Marco; Alder, Fabian; Besserer, Reto; Strüning, Tina; Michler, Markus (2026): Laser micromachining of acoustic chambers for optical microphones. In: tm - Technisches Messen. DOI: 10.1515/teme-2025-0111.

Conference papers

Bischof, David; Kahl, Michael; Michler, Markus (2022): Ultra-short pulse laser-based fabrication process for lightweight structures in quartz glass applied for mirrors. In EPJ Web Conf. 266, p. 3003. DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/202226603003.
Bischof, David; Canal, Per; Stahel, Martin; Michler, Markus (2022): Femto-second laser processing in Boro-Aluminosilicate Glass – a technology platform for the combination of mechanical structures and integrated waveguides. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7431582
Goetze, Kerstin; Bischoff, Juergen; Bliedtner, Jens; Faehnle, Oliver; Kahl, Michael (2022): Laser polishing of new materials: healing of scratch & dig defects. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7431743

Master Theses

Stahel, Martin (2020): Herstellung integriert optischer Strukturen durch Materialmodifikation mit fs-Laserpulsen. Master. NTB Interstaatliche Hochschule für Technik Buchs, Buchs, Switzerland. Institute for Micro- and Nanotechnology.
Lämmler, Sven (2021): Herstellung und Charakterisierung von Lichtwellenleiter in Lithiumniobat. Master. OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Buchs, Switzerland. Instiute for Microtechnology and Photonics.
Marco Roth (2026): Interferometerbasierter Evanescent-Field-Sensor. Master. OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Buchs, Switzerland. Instiute for Microtechnology and Photonics.

Bachelor Theses

Application of selective laser etched parts

Lendemann, Valentin; Mindel, Ramon (2020): Mikrofluidischer Mischer in Glas. Bachelor. NTB Interstaatliche Hochschule für Technik Buchs, Buchs, Switzerland. Institute for micro- and nanotechnology.
Keller, Emanuel (2021): Teststand zur Qualifizierung von FAC Linsen im blauen Spektralbereich. Bachelor. OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Buchs, Switzerland.
Rechsteiner Lucas, Lucas; Müller, Nathanael (2021): Kopplung von optischen Fasern mittels selektiv lasergeätzten Glasbauteilen. Bachelor. OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Buchs, Switzerland. Institute for Microtechnolog and Photonics.
Özdemir, Samet; Cornelius, Thomas; Balsiger, Tina (2021): Miniaturisierter SpO2 Sensor zur Integration in Textilien. Bachelor. OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Buchs, Switzerland. Institute for Microtechnology and Photonics.

Application of laser-written optical waveguides

Weber, Luzian; Stoffel, Mauro (2020): RGB Farbmischung. Konzepte und Systeme. Bachelor. NTB Interstaatliche Hochschule für Technik Buchs, Buchs, Switzerland. Institute for micro- and nanotechnology.

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