Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Laser material processing (cutting, drilling, sculpting) has a wide range of potential applications, including - but not limited to - thin-film deposition, patterning, ablation lithography, material machining, etc. When applied to dielectric materials, laser micromachining is a versatile processing tool capable of creating new products and market opportunities in: -Microelectronic and optoelectronic component manufacturing; -Next generation telecommunications components; -Microfluidics/Flow cytometry; -Biological diagnostic tools and sensors for healthcare and life sciences. In order to be competitive, keep ahead of the market and adapt to changing client needs Passat Inc. must evolve product offerings and add additional capabilities.The project's objective is to develop a preliminary design of a laser micromachining tool based on a picosecond solid-state UV laser and to use it to develop and prototype a novel method of cutting small crystals with high precision while seeking to optimize the process quality and throughput. This procedure will serve as a benchmark for future micromachining capabilities empowering the company's reach and portfolio of new products/applications.