A tutorial on optics for ultrafast laser materials processing: basic microprocessing system to beam shaping and advanced focusing methods

Ultrafast lasers have excellent characteristics for materials processing in terms of precision and quality. This tutorial paper introduces the basic concepts of ultrafast laser materials processing and the structure and key components of typical ultrafast laser microprocessing systems. The emphasis is on the pulse-shaping devices and systems for controlling and manipulating the spatial, temporal, and polarization properties of focused femtosecond laser pulses.