Efficient microwelding of glass substrates by ultrafast laser irradiation using a double-pulse train

Efficient microwelding of glass substrates by irradiation by a double-pulse train of ultrafast laser pulses is demonstrated. Temporal beam shaping techniques such as double-pulse irradiation enabled increased flexibility for high-quality, high-efficiency material processing. The bonding strength of two photostructurable glass substrates welded by double-pulse irradiation was evaluated to be 22.9 MPa, which is approximately 22% greater than that of a sample prepared by conventional irradiation by a single-pulse train. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America