Laser dismantling with a compact all-diffractive optical system

We propose a novel approach to the design and fabrication of focussing systems for laser material processing applications, especially for thoses where compactness, light weight, low volume and low-cost fabrication and mass-replication are desired, such as for laser-based dismantling systems. The focussing systems for laser-based dismantling applications we describe in this paper are designed to be remotely operated by a robot within irradiated environments for decommissioning of nuclear facilities.The laser cutting systems we developped are based solely on surface relief Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE:s), designed and optimized by computer and fabricated by conventional microlithographic technologies. The entire design and simulation procedures have been performed with proprietay CAD/CAM tools, especially developped for DOE:s. Two different dismantling systems have been designed, fabricated and tested.We propose a novel approach to the design and fabrication of focussing systems for laser material processing applications, especially for thoses where compactness, light weight, low volume and low-cost fabrication and mass-replication are desired, such as for laser-based dismantling systems. The focussing systems for laser-based dismantling applications we describe in this paper are designed to be remotely operated by a robot within irradiated environments for decommissioning of nuclear facilities.The laser cutting systems we developped are based solely on surface relief Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE:s), designed and optimized by computer and fabricated by conventional microlithographic technologies. The entire design and simulation procedures have been performed with proprietay CAD/CAM tools, especially developped for DOE:s. Two different dismantling systems have been designed, fabricated and tested.