Nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of thin single and multi-layer packaging films.

Highlights: [•] Single and multi-layer packaging films are subject to 0.5–12.5ns pulsed laser exposure. [•] Ablation thresholds, ablation depths and interaction and cut widths are obtained. [•] Pulse duration and number have the greatest effect on ablation of plastics. [•] Laser wavelength and pulse number have the greatest effect on ablation of metals. [•] Metallic layer thickness and heat flow dictate the response of multi-layer films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]