Linear-Shaped YAG Laser Beam with Uniform Power Density Distribution Applied to Machining of Ceramics

A single mode YAG laser beam is transformed into a linear beam of uniform power density distribution, which is shaped through a shaping mask, a convex lens and a cylindrical lens. The mask eliminates the surrounding part of the beam with low power density and generates the uniform density distribution. The convex lens converges the beam and generates a high power density beam. The cylindrical lens transforms the circular beam into the linear shaped beam. A ditch with sharp edge can be obtained by scanning the shaped beam; the ditch depth can be controlled by varying the focusing position of the beam. This optical system is applied to produce profiles of saw blade and notch in ceramics with numerical control systems for the workpiece.