Research Topics

Laser materials processing connects the scientific understanding of material responses with the development of manufacturing technologies. Our research is organized around two intersecting directions that share laser processing as their central element: 1) Fundamental Understanding of Laser–Material Interactions, 2) Engineering Applications of Laser Materials Processing 

The horizontal direction—Materials → Laser Processing → Analysis— focuses on the fundamental understanding of laser–material interactions. It investigates how material composition, structure, and optical and thermal properties influence responses to laser irradiation, and how processing conditions govern material removal, melting, surface modification, and microstructural evolution. Experimental characterization and modeling are used to explain the resulting changes and identify the mechanisms underlying processing behavior.

The vertical direction—Manufacturing Processes → Laser Processing → Product Performance Evaluation— addresses the engineering applications of laser materials processing. It begins by identifying a relevant operation within the overall manufacturing workflow, such as cutting, welding, or surface treatment, and examining where laser processing can improve or replace an existing approach. Its impact is then assessed through application-specific performance measures, including electrochemical behavior, fuel-cell output, joint integrity, and component reliability.