Resonant polymer ablation using a compact 3.44 μm fiber laser

In this experimental study, we investigate polymer ablation with a novel fiber laser source emitting at 3.44 mu m, a wavelength resonant with the C-H bond fundamental stretching frequency of widespread polymer materials. The wavelength of the laser and the heating regime in the material are found to play key roles in the ablation process of polymers. We compare the results from two series of experiments performed, with both the 3.44 mu m fiber laser and a CO2 laser at 10.6 mu m, on three common polymers: poly(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene and polyethylene. The ablation thresholds, its efficiency as well as the morphology of laser-induced grooves are evaluated experimentally. Polymer processing with mid-IR fiber lasers could be applied to a wide variety of compositions and has a strong potential for applications.