Unit 1

Basic optical theory: Nature of electromagnetic radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, reflection, refraction, polarization, laser fundamentals, laser beam characteristics, beam quality (laser cavity modes), Q-switching, mode locking, continuous wave, types of lasers, energy and power.

Laser interaction with materials: Optical properties of materials, laser interaction with metals, insulators, semiconductors, polymers and biological materials.

Laser surface treatment: Introduction to laser surface hardening, laser surface melting, laser surface alloying, laser surface cladding, laser cleaning. Laser ablation: mechanisms (photothermal, photophysical and photochemical), mask projection techniques, laser micro and nano structuring.

Unit 2

Laser cutting and drilling: Mechanism for inert gas and oxygen-assisted cutting, factors controlling cut quality and kerf width. Laser assisted drilling.

Laser welding: Introduction to laser keyhole welding and contrast with conduction limited welding, applications,

Direct laser fabrication (DLF): Laser sintering & laser rapid manufacturing, comparison with rapid prototyping. Main potential and limitations of DLF for direct fabrication and for the production of novel engineering materials and structures.

Unit 3

• Steen, W M, Laser Material Processing (3rd Edition), Springer Verlag, 2003, ISBN 1852336986.
• Silvast, W T, Laser Fundamentals, Cambridge University Press, 1998, ISBN 0521556171.
• J. F. Ready, D. F. Farson. LIA Handbook of Laser Materials Processing Laser Institute of America, 2001.
• M. von Allmen. Laser-Beam Interactions with Materials, Springer, 1987
• D. Bauerle. Laser Processing and Chemistry, Springer, 2000
• W. W. Duley, UV lasers: effects and applications in materials science, Cambridge University, Press, Cambridge ; New York, 1996.
• J. Dutta Majumdar, and I. Manna, Laser Material Processing, Sadhana, Vol. 28, Year: 2003, 495-562.