Sprache

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.

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

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.

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

David Bischof

IMP Institut für Mikrotechnik und Photonik Projektleiter, Fachverantwortlicher 3D Laserbearbeitung von Glas

+41 58 257 34 91 david.bischof@ost.ch

References

Publications

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

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.