Optoelectronics and Quantum Physics

Laser Ablation of Polymers

High-intensity laser beams are used in the laser ablation of polymers method to precisely remove or etch polymer materials. This method is widely applied in many different fields, including electronics, biomedical devices, and micro manufacturing. Material is removed when the strong laser light is absorbed by the polymer's surface, leading to localised heating and vaporisation. It lowers the possibility of contamination or harm by enabling complex patterning, micro structuring, and surface modification of polymers without physical touch. Because different types of lasers (UV, IR, femtosecond, etc.) give different degrees of control and precision, laser ablation is a flexible tool for customised polymer processing in both industry and research.