Demonstration of paper cutting using single emitter laser diode and infrared-absorbing ink

We show that conventional paper can be cut using a 1W laser diode, provided the cutting lines are first traced using a proper ink. The ink should absorb the laser light, and penetrate deep into the paper. An invisible ink that is transparent in the visible range and absorbing in the infrared has been successfully tested. The paper is tidily cut. The laser power required to cut the paper is proportional to the displacement speed of the paper. Cutting speeds exceeding 3 cm. s(-1). W-1 have been demonstrated. At higher speeds, the paper is not cut through, but easy-tearable lines and easy-folding lines are obtained. The whole inking and laser cutting process may be integrated into next generations of personal inkjet printers and expand document creation abilities. (C) 2005 Optical Society of America.