Optimized laser material processing with tailored focal intensity distributions

Gaussian intensity profiles are widely used in the field of laser material processing. Nevertheless, there are applications, where the inhomogeneous beam profile is not acceptable. We show that refractive beam shaping systems provide very good results for generating tailored focal intensity distributions, e.g. top-hat or doughnut shaped profiles. Even though using just one beam shaping system the width of the profiles is scalable. The device is suitable for working with a scanner and F-Theta lens as commonly used for material processing. Results of material processing of steel are compared for different focal intensity distributions.