초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves therethrough. The method includes controlling the incident angle .theta. of the laser beam applied to the workpiece so that the required residual stresses are created in the workpiece. Particular methods of c

A method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves therethrough. The method includes controlling the incident angle .theta. of the laser beam applied to the workpiece so that the required residual stresses are created in the workpiece. Particular methods of control such as lenses, polarizers, and particular transparent overlay geometries are shown. The apparatus includes structure for controlling the position and incident angle of the laser beam then controlling the polarization and/or the shape of the incident impact area, based on such incident angle .theta..

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser processing method for processing a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:applying a transparent overlay material to the workpiece said transparent layer nonuniform in thickness thereby acting as a lens;passing said pulse of energy through a second lens to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser processing method for processing a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:applying a transparent overlay material to the workpiece said transparent layer nonuniform in thickness thereby acting as a lens;passing said pulse of energy through a second lens to reform the shape of the incident area of the pulse of energy on the workpiece to counteract geometric effects created by the workpiece on said incident area; anddirecting a pulse of coherent energy to contact at an oblique angle to the solid material through the transparent overlay material to create a shock wave.