Abstract
Developments of new lasers and improvements in laser performance have resulted in an expansion of laser applications, such as material processing, optical communication, nonimpact printing and therapeutic medical applications. In the material processing techniques for cutting, welding and heat treating of metals, infrared lasers such as CO2 and Nd : YAG lasers are now used as sources of thermal energy with high power density. Recently, very exciting developments have been taking place in the applications of lasers to micromaterials processing by photochemical treatment with UV excimer lasers. In this paper, the developments of new lasers and the laser beam processing of materials will be reviewed.
