Hollow-core-fiber laser-light-cable on TruMicro Series 2000 for easy system integration

We report on TRUMPF ' s industrialized hollow-core-fiber laser-light-cable coupled to the TruMicro ultrafast laser platform. A flexible connection between processing head and laser source offers new opportunities in the design of compact laser processing machines. The compact, light-weight connector at the end of the delivery fiber provides a well-defined optical interface close to the processing optics, and spatially eases integration of any laser to the machine, enabling optimum access for fast system maintenance without any need for re-alignments. Constant optical beam parameters are ensured even during dynamical movement of the laser-light-cable and the processing head. TRUMPF offers a complete in-house solution consisting of the ultrafast laser platform with up to 10 m long hollow-core-fiber laser-light-cables. The system further includes monitoring devices, e.g. for mode field and power, fiber protection and a safety circuit. As an application example of this compact laser system we present further progress on glass welding. Ultrashort laser pulses enable local bulk modifications in glass as well as controlled melting via heat accumulation. Improved glass welding using optimized energy modulation of successive laser pulses from our advanced TruMicro Series 2000 platform are discussed. The approach for joining brittle materials provides long-term stable and gas-tight joints.