Optical coherence tomography-in situ and high-speed 3D imaging for laser materials processing

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Advanced manufacturing techniques like multi-photon 3D laser printing require precise, real-time monitoring.
• Traditional inspection methods may lack the speed and resolution necessary for dynamic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the application of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) for high-speed, real-time inspection of multi-photon 3D laser printing.
• To explore the potential of FD-OCT for advanced 3D imaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT).
• Applied FD-OCT for real-time monitoring during multi-photon 3D laser printing processes.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-speed and real-time inspection capabilities for multi-photon 3D laser printing.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of FD-OCT in monitoring intricate 3D printing structures.

Conclusions:

• FD-OCT is a viable technique for real-time, high-speed inspection of multi-photon 3D laser printing.
• The technique shows promise for extension to single-shot compressive 3D imaging to study ultrafast laser-matter interactions.