Potomac Photonics > Capabilities

Potomac's resources include numerous laser systems covering the spectrum from deep UV to IR. Our high speed direct write motion control provides precise, cost effective, patterning in a variety of materials. Our First to Market program provides quick turn process development and rapid prototyping to allow our customers to get to market first. All work is performed under stringent ISO 9001 guidelines and is shipped with full QC/SPC data. All we need is a CAD file to provide a quote and we can turn prototypes* in as little as 24 hours.

Laser machined Kapton combs next to head of a pin	Laser Processing of Kapton and Most Other Polymers	Kapton is an extremely versatile polymer utilized in almost every industry from medical devices to electronics and biotech. Potomac's mix of laser sources allows for not only high speed processing of Kapton substrates, but also an ability to achieve feature sizes as small as 2µ. Capable of laser drilling through holes (via holes), blind holes, channels, slots, etc. In addition, high precision selective removal of Kapton coatings from ceramic, metal, or glass substrates is possible to expose conductive lines or other features

UV lasers can be used for high precision, fine feature laser marking of glass substrates. Marks can be as simple as alignment fiducials or as complex as serial numbers and barcodes. Capable of holding very tight positional tolerances across substrates as large as 6 x6. The laser process is also ideal for cutting channels for microfluidic applications. Line widths can be as narrow as 10 microns depending on the type of glass.	Laser Marking of Glass	Glass Marking: circular fiducial with 30µ line widths

SEM of laser cut stainless steel sheet	Laser Cutting of Flat Metal Sheet and Foil	Processing of nearly any metal (eg. stainless steel, nitinol, copper, gold, etc.) can be achieved utilizing laser wavelengths from 266nm (UV) up to 1064nm (IR). Able to laser cut sheets as thick as 0.02.Depending upon thickness of the sheet or foil, laser cut features can be as small as 20µ.

Various types of ceramic substrates can be processed, including alumina and silicon nitride. Feature sizes, depending upon thickness of the substrate, can be as small as 25µ. Capable of laser drilling through-holes, blind holes, channels, slots, etc. Ideal for microfluidic applications.	Laser Processing of Ceramic	Laser drilled hole in ceramic (Alumina)

Various glass vials can be laser drilled for leak hole testing and system validation	Leak Test Hole Drilling	Potomac is able to laser drill micro-holes into glass and polymer vials/ampules for the purpose of leak test hole system validation. A range of hole sizes can be created in order to replicate defects in vials for use when calibrating leak detection devices. Depending upon the wall thickness of the vial/ampule, hole sizes can be as small as 5µ. In addition to vials, foil and blister packs can also be laser drilled.

Tubing made from various metals such as stainless steel and Nitinol can be processed with precision features as small as 25µ. Polymer tubing such as Kapton can also be laser processed, but with feature sizes as small as 10µ, depending on wall thickness.	Laser Cut Tubing	Laser cut stainless steel tubing (OD: 20mils). Image is a loop for an ophthalmic device