What is Laser Scribing Used For?

In the development of next - generation batteries, laser scribing is playing a crucial role. For instance, in the EU - funded Laser4Surf project, researchers from the Spanish CIC energiGUNE energy research center used laser technology to modify the surface of current collectors in lithium - ion batteries. By using a laser to change the surface of the current collector, which is one of the battery components, they aimed to enhance the stability of the battery. This modification allows for better adhesion of the electrode to the current collector, preventing unexpected reactions that could lead to the separation of the electrode from the collector during the battery's operation. As a result, the battery's lifespan can be extended, and its performance under high - power loads can be improved. The ability to handle more electrons during charging and discharging processes is also enhanced, which is particularly important for applications like electric vehicles, where high - performance batteries are essential.

Laser scribing has also enabled the creation of innovative energy - storage devices. A team from Henan's Luoyang Normal University, in collaboration with American researchers, utilized carbon dioxide laser scribing on graphene oxide layers. They etched the graphene oxide coating on flexible polyethylene terephthalate fabrics. The laser - scribed concentric - circular graphene oxide layers formed a three - dimensional porous structure, which is ideal for constructing an electrochemical double - layer. To enhance the wash - resistance and flexibility of the fabricated supercapacitors, a solid - state electrolyte (sulfuric acid - polyvinyl alcohol) was used, and the laser - scribed graphene oxide layer and the electrolyte were cross - linked to the fabric using glutaraldehyde as a cross - linker. The resulting all - solid - state planar micro - supercapacitors exhibited excellent flexibility, high areal specific capacitance, and good rate capabilities during bending and washing. This application of laser scribing opens up new possibilities for developing energy - storage devices for portable and wearable electronics.

In the field of solar energy, laser scribing is of utmost importance, especially in the production of calcium - titanate solar cells. For example, the 20 - galvanometer - mirror large - format high - speed laser scribing complete set of equipment for calcium - titanate developed jointly by Wuhan Yuanlu Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. and Huazhong University of Science and Technology is a significant innovation. This equipment is mainly used for precision scribing of large - size calcium - titanate solar cells, which is crucial for the mass production of large - size calcium - titanate battery modules. The calcium - titanate battery, with its perovskite - structured light - absorbing material, can achieve a higher photoelectric conversion efficiency of around 34% compared to traditional crystalline silicon solar cells (about 24%). The laser scribing process in calcium - titanate solar cell production involves multiple steps. In the P1 laser scribing, the transparent conductive electrode TCO layer is etched after deposition, forming independent TCO substrates without damaging the transparent glass. P2 laser scribing is carried out after depositing the electron transport layer, perovskite layer, and hole transport layer. The laser etches these three layers to expose the TCO layer, creating a groove. When the metal electrode is deposited later, it fills this groove, connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the sub - batteries. P3 laser scribing, after metal electrode deposition, cuts through the metal electrode, hole transport layer, perovskite layer, and electron transport layer without damaging the TCO layer, separating adjacent batteries. Finally, P4 laser scribing is used to clean the edges of the battery, performing insulation treatment on the edge area. The high - precision laser scribing ensures the quality and performance of the solar cells, enabling more efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity.

Laser scribing has brought about innovative solutions in the medical field, particularly in wound treatment. A team from Tongji Hospital affiliated with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in cooperation with the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, developed a polyurethane wound dressing with high anti - infection capabilities using 3D micro - nano laser etching technology. Traditional polyurethane dressings, although having advantages such as breathability and biocompatibility, lack anti - infection functions, which are essential for treating contaminated wounds. The research team used laser scribing to etch antibiotic - storage niches in the polyurethane film. This precise laser - scribing technique increased the drug - loading capacity by 61 times while retaining 90% of the mechanical strength and physical - chemical properties of the polyurethane material. In laboratory tests, this new dressing was not only highly effective in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus but also significantly improved the wound - healing rate of infected rat wounds by 43% within 9 days. It also substantially reduced the risk of systemic inflammatory response. This application of laser scribing holds great promise for various clinical scenarios, such as treating pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and burns, as it provides a new approach to reducing infection risks and promoting wound healing.

In the realm of electronics, especially with the development of next - generation integrated circuits, laser scribing offers a solution for the precise processing of two - dimensional materials. As silicon - based transistors approach the sub - 10 - nanometer node, the traditional silicon - based channel materials face challenges such as severe short - channel effects and increased charge - carrier scattering at the interface with the dielectric due to surface dangling bonds. Two - dimensional materials, with their atom - thin thickness and absence of surface dangling bonds, show great potential for overcoming these issues. However, the key to their application in next - generation integrated circuits lies in the preparation of high - quality single - crystal two - dimensional materials and the creation of two - dimensional heterostructures with precisely controlled spatial composition and electronic structure. A research team led by Professor Duan Xidong at Hunan University reported a general manufacturing strategy combining laser processing and anisotropic thermal etching for the preparation of in - plane mosaic heterojunction arrays of monolayer transition - metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with atomically sharp interfaces. Traditional lithography and etching processes often cause uncontrollable residues and damage on two - dimensional surfaces, making it difficult to meet the processing accuracy requirements for two - dimensional materials. The new laser - processing technology developed by this team overcomes these problems, obtaining atomically clean edge interfaces. These interfaces can serve as preferential growth fronts for another TMD crystal. By combining with reverse - flow epitaxy synthesis technology to precisely control the release of the growth source, the precise lateral nucleation and epitaxy of TMDs on the edges of the original two - dimensional crystals can be achieved, enabling the controllable preparation of two - dimensional TMD lateral heterostructure arrays.

Laser scribing is also being explored for innovative ways to assemble electronic components. The Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) is developing a new method of assembling electronic devices. They use a laser - etching tool to cut silicon wafers into hair - thin "chiplets". These chiplets are then mixed into an ink. Through electrostatic forces, these micro - components are guided to the appropriate positions and orientations on the substrate. A roller then picks up these micro - components on the substrate and prints them. Although still in the early stages, this technology has the potential to create various new computing devices. For example, it could be used to manufacture high - resolution imaging arrays composed of millions of chiplets, high - performance flexible electronic devices, miniature sensors with dense arrays of various sensors, or 3D objects with built - in computing functions. This new approach to electronic component assembly using laser - scribed chiplets could potentially revolutionize the electronics manufacturing industry by providing a faster, more cost - effective, and more versatile way to produce electronic devices.

BBjump's Perspective as a Sourcing Agent

When considering the use of laser - scribing technology for your business or project, several factors need to be taken into account. First, clearly define your specific application requirements. If you are in the battery industry, understand whether you need to improve battery stability, as in lithium - ion batteries, or develop new energy - storage devices like supercapacitors. In the solar energy sector, determine the precision and scale requirements for solar cell production. For medical applications, assess the need for anti - infection capabilities and biocompatibility in wound dressings. Second, consider the cost - effectiveness of laser - scribing technology. Although it offers high precision, the initial investment in equipment and the cost of operation and maintenance should be carefully evaluated. Third, look into the available expertise and support. Ensure that there are skilled technicians or partners who can operate and maintain the laser - scribing equipment and provide technical support when needed. Fourth, keep an eye on technological advancements. Laser - scribing technology is constantly evolving, and new applications and improvements are emerging. By staying informed, you can take advantage of the latest developments to optimize your processes. Finally, when sourcing laser - scribing equipment or services, compare different suppliers. Look for those with a good reputation, quality products or services, and competitive prices. BBjump can assist you in this process by leveraging our extensive network of suppliers, conducting in - depth market research, and providing unbiased advice to help you make the best decision for your laser - scribing needs.

Yes, laser scribing can be used on a diverse range of materials. It can be applied to metals, such as in the modification of battery current collectors. In the case of fabric - based supercapacitors, it is used on materials like polyethylene terephthalate fabrics coated with graphene oxide. For solar cells, it is used on materials like the TCO layers, perovskite layers, and other functional layers in calcium - titanate solar cells. In medical applications, it can be used on polyurethane materials for wound dressings. In electronics, it is effective for processing two - dimensional materials like transition - metal dichalcogenides. However, the specific laser parameters and techniques may need to be adjusted according to the material's properties, such as its melting point, thermal conductivity, and chemical composition, to achieve the desired scribing results.

Laser scribing is highly precise compared to many traditional scribing methods. In the production of calcium - titanate solar cells, for example, laser scribing can create very fine grooves with minimal damage to the surrounding materials. Traditional methods such as chemical etching may be less precise and could cause more widespread chemical reactions that might affect the overall performance of the solar cell. In the processing of two - dimensional materials, traditional lithography and etching processes often leave uncontrollable residues and cause damage, while laser - scribing techniques can achieve atomically clean edges, enabling the precise formation of heterostructures. The precision of laser scribing is mainly due to the highly focused laser beam, which can be accurately controlled in terms of its intensity, position, and duration, allowing for micron - or even sub - micron - level precision in many applications.

Laser scribing generally has relatively low environmental impacts compared to some other manufacturing processes. In battery manufacturing, for example, the use of laser scribing to improve battery stability can lead to longer - lasting batteries, reducing the frequency of battery replacements and thus decreasing the overall waste generated from discarded batteries. In solar cell production, the high - precision laser scribing enables more efficient solar cells, which in turn can contribute to increased use of clean solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, like any manufacturing process, there are some potential environmental considerations. The operation of laser - scribing equipment may consume electricity, and proper disposal of any waste materials generated during the scribing process, such as small particles or debris, needs to be ensured. But overall, with proper management, laser scribing can be a relatively environmentally friendly manufacturing technique, especially when considering its role in enabling more sustainable technologies like better batteries and more efficient solar cells.